Torquay United are in danger of dropping into England's seventh tier after being deducted 10 points.

The Gulls, who are supported by Soccer AM icon Helen Chamberlain, have sunk to 17th in the National League South after their latest setback due to crushing financial problems. The club recently announced it's set to go into administration, which is an "insolvency event" under National League rules.

Interim manager Aaron Downes' side had his team sitting relatively pretty in 12th prior to their most recent punishment. However, they're now just three points off the relegation places with only nine league games to play this season.

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The club confirmed the deduction in a statement but said it "will make no further statement at this time." It's a hammer-blow for Gulls supporters who are still holding out hope the club could scale its way back up the EFL pyramid.

Owner Clarke Osborne confirmed in February that he could no longer finance the club and said: "It is with sincere regret that I advise that circumstances beyond my control during the last five weeks have brought me to the position that I am unable to continue financially supporting the club. I have today filed on behalf of the directors an intention to appoint an administrator for the club and company."

The Sun reported there are parties interested in buying the club, though nothing concrete has emerged as of yet. It's understood Torquay now has debts valued at around £4.2million.

That's despite Osborne initially improving the club's finances following his arrival in 2016, shortly after the club dropped out of the EFL. But after a brief boost in fortunes, the club has endured two relegations under his ownership.

A poor end to the season would result in another drop down to the seventh tier of English football, which would likely place them in the Southern League next season. Taunton Town and Truro City sit just below the Gulls having played at least four games fewer, with a strong finish to this season required if the club is to stave off further disaster.

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