Buckle's gone
by Matt Pitman

Friday 3rd December 2004

SKIPPER Paul Buckle last night left Weymouth - finally ending the two week stand-off between the midfielder and boss Steve Johnson.

Head coach Johnson revealed the Terras have parted ways with the former Exeter City star following the pair's recent high-profile bust-up.

Buckle fell out of favour at the Wessex Stadium after Johnson was preferred for the manager's job last month.

And Johnson, who also last night signed Yeovil Town defender Roy O'Brien on a month's loan, said he hopes the move will 'draw a line in the sand' ahead of his side's home Conference South clash with Havant and Waterlooville tomorrow.

He told Echosport: "I can confirm Paul Buckle has left the club and is no longer part of the squad.

"There are a few things that need sorting out in terms of his contract but as far as I am concerned, Paul has now left and gone.

"I hope this move will now allow the club to move on and concentrate on moving up the Conference South table.

A lot has gone on regarding the affair over the last couple I of weeks which I don't want to go over again.

"As far as I am concerned, I hope this will mean a line in the sand is drawn and the whole thing is over.

I wish Paul all the best for the future and good luck in his future career."

Buckle, who is taking advice from the Professional Footballers' Association and signed a new one-year extension to his previous deal just before Johnson's appointment, today declined to comment.

The move capped a busy night's work for Johnson who has borrowed Yeovil Town defender O'Brien for a month to ease a defensive crisis.

Centre halves Dave Waterman (ankle) and Nathan Bunce (suspended) both definitely miss tomorrow's visit of the Hawks who are set to include ex-Terra Robbie Pethick.

Johnson said: "I'm delighted to get Roy and I'm grateful to my brother (Gary Johnson) for sanctioning the move because it really gets us out of a hole.

"Dave Waterman could be out for up to six weeks and I'm really short on numbers at the back.

Yeovil have given Roy a new contract until the end of the season and think a lot of him.

He has just come back from injury but asked Gary if he could come here because he wants to maintain that fitness.

"It is important he plays games over the Christmas period and he will get that by coming here.

I've signed a first class player who is exactly the type of person I want to bring to the club."

With winger Adam Wilde doubtful tomorrow with flu and Martin Barlow (back) also ruled out, the former Worcester City star's place could be taken by ex-Manchester United youngster Danny Byrne who has
penned non-contract terms.

"Danny is only 19 but has spent several years at Old Trafford and came through their youth system. He was at Hartlepool llast year on loan and was released by Manchester United in the summer because
he fell out with Alex Ferguson despite being a regular in their reserve side.

"He can play down either flank or behind the strikers and, from what I've seen, he looks a really talented and exciting player.

"It's likely he'll start tomorrow and we'll take things from there."

Former Watford midfielder Kieran Keane, 22, has also joined the Terras on non-contract terms and is part of Johnson's squad tomorrow.

"Kieran comes to us recommended and, like Danny, he'll feature in some form tomorrow," said Johnson.

Johnson said the visit of the Hampshire outfit, with new boss lain Baird in charge, marks the start of a huge week for the Terras.

"We've got three vital games over the next week, two of those at home, and three good results will do us the world of good," he said.

"It's great to be back at the Wessex after a long run of away games and hopefully that home advantage will help us.

"I know a lot of things have gone on off the pitch in recent days but I'd appeal for everyone to put that all to one side tomorrow and really get behind the team."

• Midfielder Shaun Wilkinson is set to join tomorrow's opponents Havant and Waterlooville on a month's loan from Monday.

Wilkinson is currently subject to an internal investigation by Weymouth over allegations he spat at supporters following last weekend's FA Trophy defeat at Redbridge.

Johnson said: "There's still a couple of things to be tied up but we've agreed to let Shaun join Havant on an initial month's loan from Monday.

The move will give the club and Shaun some time and space to investigate the alleged incident fully"