Dover winger Toby Ajala has left the club for ‘a fresh start’ at former club Torquay - leaving Crabble on a free transfer.

The 24-year-old enjoyed a successful spell at Plainmoor last season, scoring six goals in 46 appearances but turned down a new contract before his switch to Crabble in early September, which led to an unsuccessful appeal for compensation from the Gulls.

On Monday it was revealed Ajala - who came close to breaking the deadlock in Dover’s abandoned stalemate against Welling on Saturday - has agreed a return to the Devon side until the end of the season.

Ajala leaves having scored once - in the 2-1 league win against Wrexham in October - with the majority of his 20 Whites appearances in all competitions coming as a substitute.

Ajala made the leap from the Ryman League to Hull City in 2011, though never played for the Tigers and had spells at Bristol City, AFC Wimbledon and Welling before signing for Torquay in 2014.

The Gulls are struggling in Vanarama National League and lie second-bottom with just four wins this season but player-boss Kevin Nicholson told the club’s website: “Toby fits into everything that we are looking for - he’s fit, enthusiastic, works hard and has plenty of ability.

“What’s more, he has a tremendous attitude and desperately wants to be here and help the club get out of trouble.

“His return strengthens us and gives us options. I am looking forward to having him out there on the pitch doing the business for us.”

Nicholson added: “Everyone knows that he has the ability, it’s a case of him settling down and getting regular games under his belt.

“This is a fresh start for him; he knows the place well and that will help him hit the ground running.”