I'll live or die by my decision - Johnson
By Matt Pitman

Tuesday 22 February 2005

STEVE Johnson said he will 'live or die' by his decision to release wantaway pair Steve Tully and Lee Phillips.

The Terras boss stressed his relief that the ongoing transfer saga involving the defender and striker was finally over.

And Johnson reckons the Wessex Stadium dressing room will be a better place without Tully and Phillips.

He told Echosport: "I wish both Steve and Lee all the best in their new careers at Exeter City.

"I want to make it absolutely clear that the decision to get rid of them was lOO per cent my decision and I know I will live or die by that decision.

"What I do now know is that every player at the club wants to be at Weymouth Football Club and wants to wear that claret and blue shirt.

"If players don't want to play for me, that's fine.

"But I won't have any player who feels like that around my dressing room bringing the others players down.

"I can't ask any more of the directors who were behind me lOO per cent in making this move, they have showed how committed they are by sanctioning these deals.

"Now it is important we move on and I'll be doing my level best to try and get some new players in over the next few days."

Phillips joined the Terras on a free transfer from Plymouth Argyle four years ago.

Part of that deal involved Weymouth paying a 40 per cent share of any future fee to the Pilgrims, a clause that Exeter are believed to have now taken over.

Meanwhile Johnson revealed he had made a £10,000 offer for an unnamed Conference National striker yesterday.

"It was a substantial offer for a proven Conference goalscorer which was turned down," he said.

"But it shows that we're still ambitious and want to sign people of the highest calibre."

Phillips and Tully's moves to Exeter bring the number of transfer deals completed by Terras boss Johnson to an incredible 35 in 105 day.