KELVIN Thomas is hoping his experience as Oxford United chairman can help Torquay United regain their place in the Football League.

The former U’s chief, who left the club in July 2012 after four years at the helm, was yesterday named as a consultant at the Gulls.

Thomas will lead a team working with Torquay chairman Thea Bristow in a bid to get out of the Vanarama Conference.

The 42-year-old took over as United chairman in 2008 following the resignation of Nick Merry, with the U’s on the brink of administration and 19th in the Blue Square Premier.

He transformed the club into a profitable one, and masterminded Oxford’s return to the Football League in 2010 – something that Bristow is hoping he can help repeat at Torquay.

“Having met Thea and been approached to help, it was quite an easy decision,” Thomas said.

“She has immense love for this club, but has found herself in a position where she feels quite lonely in her role.

“Hopefully, during this initial three-week period, I will be able to use some of my experience and expertise to help her and the club.

“I will spend the next few days meeting all the staff and stakeholders, and I am excited to learn more about Torquay United.”

Bristow is excited to have Thomas on board and hopes his achievements at Oxford – where he oversaw revenue growth from £1.9m to £3.2m and increased average attendances from 4,300 to 7,200 – will be repeated.

With her late husband Paul, the Torquay chairman has been supporting the club financially since 2007.

The pair won £15m on the National Lottery, but Thea took on the burden alone when Paul died in 2010.

She said: “It is well known that I have been subsidising the club for three years and I would like to make some changes, so that the club can grow in a more sustainable manner.

“It is also well known that I have no experience at running a football club and making these types of changes. So, I have made the decision to seek external help in this area.

“Kelvin has been highly recommended in this role and I am looking forward to working with him over the next few weeks.”

She added: “I can confirm that I have had talks with various parties about additional investment.

“These talks will be ongoing.”