By now his grey hair and moustache made him instantly recognisable and he helped Torquay to remain in league football, playing in the first great escape when Torquay drew 2–2 with Crewe Alexandra at Plainmoor thanks to a late equaliser from Paul Dobson and help from the police dog Bryn biting Jim McNichol ensuring that injury time would be required. The following season, he was an ever-present as Cyril Knowles' side made the play-offs, but was released in the summer, joining Bath City in July 1988.
By this stage, his grey hair and moustache had become unmistakable, and he helped Torquay stay competitive in league football by playing in a pivotal match when they drew 2–2 with Crewe Alexandra at Plainmoor thanks to a late equalizer from Paul Dobson and help from police dog Bryn biting Jim McNichol, which necessitated injury time. The following season, he was always present as Cyril Knowles' team made the playoffs, but was released in the summer and joined Bath City in July 1988.