Brough rejects Kettering offer
Brough, who can play in midfield or defence, had the chance to join the Poppies — a planned deal could still see Kettering centre-half Guy Branston heading to Plainmoor — but he said: "I want to stay here, fight for a place and have a good crack at League Two.
"The manager showed me the courtesy of telling me about the interest and let me talk to Kettering.
"I did speak to Mark Cooper (Kettering manager), but I told Paul (Buckle) from minute one that I wanted to stay.
"A big reason I came to the club was that I thought Torquay could and would win promotion to League Two.
"I had a frustrating time last season, and I want to turn that around and make a success of it.
"There's strong competition for places, which speaks volumes for our squad, but I am confident in my ability to get over last season."
"I'm pleased that Michael is staying," said Buckle. "There was an offer for him to go to Kettering, but he has decided to stay here.
"It's what I was hoping to hear from him. I'm delighted."
Brough spent the first five years of his career in the Football League with his hometown Notts County, where he made more than a hundred appearances.
After spells with Stevenage Borough and Forest Green Rovers, he joined Torquay last summer, but played only four games in United's 2008-2009 promotion campaign.
Brough was out in the cold at the end of last season, but he is back now and has the chance to kickstart his Plainmoor career.
"It was League One throughout my time at Notts," said Brough.
"I've never played in League Two, but I'm confident that I can. And our squad is good enough to compete at that level too."
Talks over a deal for 30-year-old ex-Leicester, Rotherham, Sheffield Wednesday, Oldham, Peterborough and Notts County player Branston are continuing.
I understand that Kettering are demanding a fee for the 6ft 1in tall centre-half, who still has a year of his contract at Rockingham Road to run.
But all parties appear to be close to an agreement.
Whether Branston will be on board by the time United meet Plymouth Argyle in tomorrow night's Plainmoor friendly (7.45pm) remains to be seen.
But definitely in the Gulls' squad will be the first 'new' signing of the summer, 19-year-old ex-Plymouth and Swindon striker Ben Joyce.
United's Wembley Play-Off win over Cambridge in May continues to prompt 'fall-out' at the Abbey Stadium.
After what is believed to have been a series of budget-related disagreements between board and manager, manager Gary Brabin has been "relieved of his duties with immediate effect".
Cambridge had previously given Brabin permission to talk to Championship club Blackpool, but he lost out on the Bloomfield Road job to former Bristol Rovers, QPR, Plymouth and Leicester boss Ian Holloway.
Brabin's departure could open the way for Kettering manager Cooper to take his place — the former Exeter City midfielder is thought to be a leading candidate for the job.
Elsewhere in League Two, Cheltenham Town have completed two of the more intriguing signings of the summer.
Robins boss Martin Allen has recruited 37-year-old striker Barry Hayles and 36-year-old targetman Julian Alsop.
Ex-Bristol Rovers, Fulham, Millwall, Plymouth and Leicester forward Hayles had two loan spells at Whaddon Road last season.
Former Swansea, Cheltenham and Oxford player Alsop finished last season with Amaretto League Division One South & West club Bishops Cleeve, who play four divisions below League Two.
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