Radcliffe on the mend
By Adam Summers

Saturday 18th September 2010

SIMON Radcliffe is hoping to return to light training for the Terras next Tuesday after a three-week lay-off with an Achilles injury.

Weymouth’s club captain, who also has a hernia, was withdrawn from action by boss Ian Hutchinson at the end of August and since then he has been undergoing intensive treatment under the supervision of physio Damion Maston.

Radcliffe said: “We are getting there. Damo has been working wonders and doing a good job, and I am hoping to get back doing some sort of training next week. Then, hopefully, it will only be a couple more weeks away before I can return to action.

“It is one of those injuries where I just had to take a rest. I tried to play through it but I just made it worse. Not only have I been experiencing tendonitis but I have also had a problem with the sole of my foot where it makes it difficult to stand.

“As for the hernia, that has taken a backseat compared to this. I am able to play through that but with my ankle I have to get it right before I can get back into the team and start helping the boys again.”

Despite being sidelined, Radcliffe has been a keen spectator at the Terras’ last couple of games, although unfortunately he will not be at the Bob Lucas Stadium this afternoon when his side tackle unbeaten league leaders Camb-ridge City.

He added: “I am not here this weekend as my brother has sorted out some laser treatment for me in Manchester, which will hopefully speed things up a little bit.

“I have been at the last couple of games though and I think we are improving all the time. Hutch is always looking to strengthen the side but there have been some encouraging signs with Warren Byerley, in particular, looking a good acquisition.

“He is starting to find the net now and if we keep improving as a team at the rate we have been I do not think we will have any problems.

“Psychologically, the fact we are bottom due to the 10-point deduction is always in the back of the lads’ minds, but we have to put that to one side and instead look at the performance at Salisbury City and start believing more in ourselves.

“In all the games we have played so far, barring the defeat against Bashley, we have looked capable of getting something and I am confident that once we put a little run of results together, we will kick on and won’t be far away.”

The Terras are holding a Forces Day today with all serving members of the Armed Forces receiving free admittance to the game.

Weymouth Precision Engineering (main) and Weyscaff (matchball) will sponsor today’s encounter against league leaders Cambridge City.

Anyone interested in sponsoring a home game can contact Geoff Claridge at the club on 08721 840000.