Dickson, 31, and a former Plymouth Argyle youth graduate brings with him a wealth of experience playing for the likes of Brentford, Southampton, Colchester United, Crawley Town and Yeovil Town.

He returns to Plainmoor after a very successful loan period at the club in his early years of professional football back in 2007.

Head coach Gary Owers told https://www.torquayunited.com: “I think he’s a really big signing for us.

“He brings with him a terrific left foot.”

“Ryan is a very experienced player and is a left-footer which will be important in giving the team balance. He can play as a left-back, as a wide player, but I’m bringing him in to play as a central midfield player.

“He has played at a high level and has plenty of games under his belt. He played quite a few games for Yeovil last season and I’m bringing more experience into the side.

“He really strengthens what we have already got. I have badgered him the last couple of weeks and managed to persuade him to come and play for us. I think he’s looking forward to it.”

Owers has also signed defender Kyle Cameron.

Cameron, 21, joins the Gulls after spending his youth career with Newcastle United.

Whilst at St James`s Park he spent time on loan at Workington AFC, York City, and Queen of the South.

“We’ve tracked him through the summer,” said Owers. “He’s a left-footed central defender who is a big strong lad with a good pedigree having been up at Newcastle. I’ve been searching for left-footers to get us more balanced as a team. They are few and far between.

“We think he is a player that can progress his career by coming here and getting some games under his belt”.