Johnson to bring in new faces
By Matt Pitman

\Monday 17th January 2005

TERRAS boss Steve Johnson plans to step up his search for new signings this week.

The Weymouth manager is set to cast his eye over a string of trialists when his side hosts Yeovil Town in a friendly at the Wessex Stadium tomorrow night (7.45pm).

And Johnson is confident of boosting his squad before the Terras face Conference South play-off rivals Thurrock at home this weekend.

He explained: "I'm talking to a few clubs and players and things are progressing nicely on the transfer front.

"We didn't have a game at the weekend so I went up to Dorchester to watch them play Bognor Regis.

"The free weekend also allowed me some time-to speak to a few people I'm interested in and, the way it's looking at the moment, I'm hopeful of getting at least one new face in before Saturday.

"It may even be more than one and there are a few people I've invited down to play for us against Yeovil tomorrow.

"Obviously if any of those impress, there's a chance they could be involved against Thurrock.

My brother (Yeovil boss Gary Johnson) called and asked if we could put the game on to allow him to give some of his squad players a run out.

"They have the same problem as us in that they don't have regular reserve team football and this friendly is beneficial to us both.

"It'll be nice going head to head with Gary.

Even though it is only a friendly, I'm always keen to get one over on him."

Johnson revealed signing a winger to replace departed loan star Rob Traynor is not a priority.

"It was a shame losing Rob, there's no doubt about that because I wanted him on a permanent basis," he said.

"But having said that, I'm not desperate to get a replacement in.

"Both Danny Byrne and Mark Boyce are more than capable of playing out on the right so we've got options.

Another plus point is that it is looking like Adam Wilde may well be available to play at the weekend.

"He's been out with a groin strain since Christmas and providing nothing serious happens at training this week, I'm planning to have him involved in some form."

Meanwhile Johnson said he wants to sign a striker as cover for front pair Kirk Jackson and Lee Phillips but is refusing to close the door on out-of-favour Chukki Eribenne.

"Chukki is back with us now after his spell on loan at Aldershot and I've sat down with him and chatted about his situation," said Johnson.

"I've told Chukki he can go if he finds another club but until that time comes, I want him totally dedicated to Weymouth.

He said he accepted that position and so now it is up to him to work hard and show he means it."

• A few tickets are still available for Terras' stalwart lan Hutchinson's Testimonial dinner at the Hotel Prince Regent on Thursday night.

Priced at £30, they include a three-course meal and after-dinner entertainment from former England star Frank Worthington and comedian Tank Sherman.

Anyone interested should contact Juliet on 759785 (home) 07713313295 (mobile).