It proved the perfect road to recovery because he netted twice in eight appearances for Leroy Rosenior's men.
However, the distance between Torquay and his family in Essex proved too testing and this week Martin Ling snapped him up for Orient on a three-month deal.
"Torquay were really trying to keep me there, but to be fair it's a long way and it takes four to five hours to get back.
"They were a good set of lads and Leroy was superb. He got my career going again, though I was a bit sad in the end, because I felt like I'd let him down."
Now Wardley intends putting all his energies into repeating his achievements at Rushden, by helping his new side, lying sixth in League Two, to promotion.
And this time he plans to be there at the final whistle when the celebrations begin.
"I hope I can get Orient to the same position they were a few years ago," he said. "I can't see anything that could stop them pushing on and getting in the top three.
"I want to get a regular spot in this side, score a few goals to get them promoted and prove I can still do a job in football."
