Minnows are jealous of my Terras ... Johnson
by Matt Pitman

Friday 24th December 2004

STEVE Johnson hit back at Mark Morris' 'money-bags' jibe by claiming his Dorchester counterpart is
'jealous' of Weymouth.

The Terras head coach says he has revamped his squad and slashed the wage bill at the Wessex Stadium since arriving in November.

And Johnson, who is preparing for his first big Dorset derby, today branded the Magpies 'minnows' in
the latest bout of pre-match mind games.

He told Echosport: "Mark Morris has come out and said that we are big spenders and that Dorchester
are the poor relations to us.

"To me his comments are just jealousy for what we've got at Weymouth.

"I've got a fantastic job at one of the biggest clubs in the non-League game, a job I'm sure Mark would love to have even if he won't admit.

Knock

"We've got a great fan base, set-up and staff so I guess Mark is exactly right when he says Dorchester are
the minnows, because they are.

"It's great to have money, being able to go out and get players that I want and a multi-millionaire chairman behind me.

"I can't blame Dorchester for being so interested and concerned with our situation on and off the field.

"But if I was Mark I'd spend more time worrying about my own club rather than having a knock at
Weymouth.

"Anyone who knows anything about football knows wftat has happened with us recently in that we've slashed the wage bill.

"So to say we're big spenders now in comparison to there and other things like that is just wrong.

"I'm sure my players won't need any motivating for this one, but if they do we've now got every reason to beat them.

Potuguese star Francisco Ramos is set to start in goal in place of suspended keeper Jason Matthews.

And Johnson is backing Ramos, who made his Terras debut in the derbby FA Cup win at the Avenue earlier this season, to do a good job.


"Francisco is a good keeper and I'm more than confident he'll do well replacing Jason," he said.

"It is good to have two keepers who train in a competitive spirit, but also help each other out at the same time.

"Francisco is in for the next two games and if he plays well, I'll obviosly have a decision to make about whether he should stay in."

Midefielder Martin Barlow and defender Jamie Impey are both still out with back problems.

Defender Dave Waterman has returned to training after injuring his ankle ligaments, but is unlikely
to play.

Angolan midfielder Bernardo Cariata is set for another start in midfield after his impressive debut against Margate last weekend.

Meanwhile Johnson is considering a possible move for a mystery former Belgian first division player.

"The lad was recommended to me by an agent and is coming over to training," he said.

"I don't know much about him at this stage but I'll have a look and take things from there."