Strikers seeking permanent deals
By Derek Bish

Saturday 6th February 2010

TWO players are hoping to play a big part in Weymouth’s future having signed non-contract terms with the club this week.

But strikers Luke Benbow, 18, and Lewis Whitehead, 17, joined the coastal town side this week from completely different backgrounds.

Ex-Birmingham City academy player Benbow has moved with Gill from Blue Square North outfit Redditch United while Whitehead is hoping to make a mark having signed dual registration terms with the Terras and Cambridge University Press, leaders of the Cambridgeshire Kershaw Premier League, a level equivalent to the Dorset Premier League.

“I’m looking to stay here with Jerry to be honest,” said Benbow, who has penned a non-contract deal. “It’s a nice club and the lads have made me welcome.

“I think I can bring a lot to the team – I can score goals for the club, I can hold up the play and I can link play up so I will see how things go.

“I had a little while with Redditch but as soon as Jerry left I have come with him.”

Although his debut ended in a 4-0 defeat at Eastleigh, the teenager saw plenty of positive points that his new side could work on.

He said: “I think we need a lot of work and a few new players just to balance it out a bit, but we can work on it.”

Meanwhile, Whitehead, the nephew of chairman George Rolls, has joined up with the Terras but will continue to play for Cambridge University Press.

He was an unused substitute at Eastleigh but hopes to prove he is worthy of a contract for next season.

“It was a good chance to come down,” he said. “I have got to prove myself so I can win a contract next year. I’ve got to work hard and try and prove myself in training.

“I’m a hold up striker, bringing others into the game. My pace isn’t my best attribute but I can hold the ball up.