Roy Recalled
By Paul Baker

Wednesday 5th January 2005

On loan defender O'Brien return to Yeovil

TERRAS loan star Roy O'Brien has been recalled by Coca-Cola League Two leaders Yeovil Town.

The Irish defender returns to Huish Park to help solve a numbers crisis at the Somerset club.

Glovers boss Gary Johnson, brother of Weymouth chief Steve, is currently without mainstays Colin Miles (suspended) and Michael Rose (ankle), while Scott Guyett, Bartosz Tarachulski and Lee Johnson are also carrying knocks.

Ironically, former Dorchester Town player of the year O'Brien, who is two weeks into his second month at the Wessex Stadium, was substituted at half-time during the Terras 3-1 victory over Hayes on Monday with an ankle problem.

However, he is expected to recover in time to line up at Millmoor on Saturday where Yeovil take on Rotherham in the Third Round of the FA Cup.

Steve Johnson admitted he was disappointed to be losing the 30-year-old stopper, who has netted once in a Terra Cotta shirt.

He said: "It's a big shame Roy has now gone back to Yeovil because he was tremendous for me.

"He is a player of real ability but unfortu- nately there was always the likelihood of him going back because of the nature of loan deals.

"On the positive side, I'm pleased for Roy because it now looks like he'll be back in the first team picture at Yeovil."

Fitness

He added: "Roy's departure means I'm bit light in the centre of defence, seeing as Dave Waterman needs a bit more time before he is fit.

"I'm looking at that area as a matter of priority and am hopeful of getting at least one player in before Saturday's game at Carshalton."

Meanwhile Gary joked: "I rang my brother and when I told him we needed Roy back he said 'no problem, he got injured on Saturday'."

"Roy has played in three or four big games in recent weeks so he has the mental fitness as well as the physical fitness.

"He has enjoyed his time at Weymouth but that's not to say he won't go back there at some stage."

O'Brien, who has had spells with Cork City, Bournemouth and Arsenal, today thanked Steve Johnson and his Weymouth team mates.

"I'm grateful to Weymouth for allowing me to get first team football over the last month following a couple of injuries," he said.

"Every footballer in the world wants to play games and I'm no different.

"I've been pleased with my form and I think I've started to form quite a good partnership with Boundy (Matt Bound) in the centre of defence.

"They're a great bunch of lads down there and I'm sure the club is on the right track under Steve Johnson.

"Now I've gone back to Yeovil, I wish everyone at Weymouth all the best."