Second chance for Wilko
By Matt Pitman

Thursday 24th January 2005

SHAUN Wilkinson is to get a second chance at the Wessex Stadium, writes Matt Pitman

The midfielder returns to Weymouth next week at the end of his loan period with Conference South rivals Havant and Waterlooville.

Boss Steve Johnson says he is willing to take another look at the Terras outcast who was shipped out after the ex-Brighton man allegedly spat at a fan last November.

Johnson said: "Shaun's loan at Havant runs out next week and I understand he wants to come back to Weymouth.

"People are well aware of what went on before he left the club but I firmly believe time is a great healer and I'm willing to give him a second chance.

"If he gets his head down, works hard and shows he wants to play for the club, then great.

"To be fair to Shaun, I hadn't been at the club long when the alleged spitting incident happened so I haven't had a proper chance to assess his ability.

"It my well be that he'll come back, work hard and put in some good performances.

"If he does that, I hope the fans will cheer him on and try and put the past behind them."

Johnson added: "Things are very different at the club now from when Shaun was here before.

"A lot of players have come and gone and we're also regularly training during the day rather than twice a week at night.

"The atmosphere among the squad has changed a lot so we'll just see how Shaun reacts and take things from there."

Meanwhile Woking and former England non-League international midfielder Charlie Mapes has turned down a move to the Wessex Stadium.

Johnson said: "We agreed a fee with Woking but unfortunately Charlie turned down the move.

"It's a shame but I'm looking at a few other options."