Enfield-born Torquay United midfielder Mickey Parcell has signed a professional contract with the Conference-bound club.

Parcell, 18, who was born in Enfield and attended Enfield Grammar School, has signed a professional deal with the Gulls after completing his two-year scholarship.

The former Hertford Town player is one of only two scholars to be offered pro' terms, with Sam Chaney the other.

Torquay finished bottom of the Football League, propping up League Two after winning just nine league games this term.

However Parcell is taking the positives from the Gulls' drop into non-league: "It was devastating to see the club go down but it could be a positive for me as the squad might not be so big next year."

Gulls boss Chris Hargreaves has already begun the process of moulding the squad in his own image, transfer-listing six first-team players and releasing another.

Parcell spent part of last team on loan at Southern League Premier Division side Truro City, something from which Parcell gained a lot.

"I went there [Truro] for ten games and I was playing men's football for the first time and it really benefited me," explained Parcell.

"That really helped me I think, that was a big factor in me getting a professional contract - Steve Tully [Truro manager and former Torquay defender] has been working with me.

With an eye on next season, Parcell expects to move out on loan once more to begin with.

"I've sat down with the first team manager and he wants to get me back out on loan so it looks like I'll be going back to Truro at the start of next season and then from there if I do well from there, he'll look at bringing me back to the club."

Speaking to the club's website, Torquay's head of youth Geoff Harrop said of Parcell and Chaney: "They have been excellent youth trainees, not only in their work ethic but also as people. We believe they have the talent and potential to become successful pro footballers."