Exile Davies to bolster Terras
By Derek Bish
Friday 12th February 2010
WEYMOUTH boss Jerry Gill has bolstered his midfield options
ahead of tomorrow’s Blue Square South encounter with
Basingstoke Town at the Wessex Stadium (3pm).
Tough-tackling Newport County player Nathan Davies has joined
on a month’s loan, bringing the total number of loanees
in the Terras’ squad to the maximum permitted number
of five.
Gill was only able to swoop for Davies after Exeter City
recalled defender Scot Bennett earlier in the week, but the
manager’s disappointment at losing Bennett has been tempered
by the capture of 27-year-old Welshman Davies.
“He’s an experienced player at this level and that’s
what we need at the moment,” said Gill. “He came
thorough the ranks at Newport County and it’s just unfortunate
he picked up an injury there and lost his place.
“They are on a great run and he’s therefore found
it hard to get back into the squad – they’ve got
20 or 21 players there and that doesn’t go into 16.
“But one man’s loss is another man’s gain
and although he’s not completely match fit he will be
fit enough to come in and play.”
Regarding the loss of Bennett, Gill added: “I tried
my hardest to keep Scot but Exeter had the call on that, which
is their prerogative, but we will be fine going into tomorrow,
we have more than enough to cover.”
With players coming in through the Wessex Stadium door, Gill
has also conceded that some will be heading the other way.
He said: “I think a few will be going out of the exit
door, but it won’t be ‘bye bye, see you later’.
“I will sit down with certain players and try to fix
them up with other clubs.
“I can’t afford to bring players in and not let
anyone go.”
Meanwhile, Gill has praised captain Scott Brice’s reaction
to being hauled off at half-time of the 3-1 loss to Staines
Town on Saturday.
“He came into training and his attitude was exemplary,”
said Gill. “These decisions are never personal, always
tactical, and his response has been terrific in training –
he’s a good lad.”
Two defeats on the road since Gill’s managerial debut
have somewhat knocked the shine off that 3-1 success over
Lewes but the Terras’ boss is hoping a return to familiar
surroundings can help them rediscover their winning touch.
Weymouth have lost just one of their last four league matches
at the Wessex Stad-ium but visitors Basingstoke have won on
three of their last four trips in Blue Square South.
“Our last home game was terrific,” said Gill. “The
lads were lifted and hopefully we will get another good gate
in, everyone will get behind us and push us to want we want
to get, which is survival.
“Home form is vital but I want them to play with a smile
on their face and enjoy their Football.”
Weymouth will only be missing Jordan Rose (suspended) for
tomorrow’s clash with the Dragons.
Terras (from): Welch, Mawer, Slocombe, Brice, Farrell, McGuinness,
Reed, Joseph-Dubois, Llewellyn, Smith, Harrison, Frampton,
Groves, Radcliffe, Allen, Davies, Benbow, Reid.
Echosport understands that former commercial manager Andy
Cooke is considering legal action against Weymouth Football
Club following his departure last year.
Battens solicitors confirmed they were acting for Cooke but
would not comment further.
Cooke and Terras’ chairman George Rolls both declined
to comment.
