Terras close in on ace Purser
By Matt Pitman

Wednesday 8th June 2005

THE Terras are lining up a move for Peterborough United striker Wayne Purser.

Boss Garry Hill admits he is interested in bringing the 25-year-old to the Wessex Stadium.

The move would reunite Purser with Hill who signed him for Hornchurch last season.

The former Leyton Orient star netted 15 goals in as many games before he was released following the Essex side's financial collapse.

Purser moved to Peterborough on a free transfer where he netted six times in 15 games for the Coca-Cola League One club.

He has now been told he is free to leave London Road following the appointment of new Posh boss Mark Wright.

And Hill admits he is a big fan of the nippy goalscorer.

He said: "I like Wayne Purser and I'd certainly like to sign him for Weymouth.

"I signed him at Hornchurch where he did tremendously well before he joined Peterborough.

"Having been his manager before, I know what he is all about and likewise he would also know what to expect from me.

"But while I'd be interested in signing him, I haven't spoken to him about any deal at this stage.

"He is under contract to a Football League club and I can't do anything unless that situation changes.

"Obviously I'll keep my eye on Wayne's situation over the coming weeks and take things from there.

"There are dozens of players out there I'm monitoring and dozens more I'm speaking to, but only when contracts are signed am I happy."

One transfer target Hill has missed out on is former Exeter City defender Alex Jeannin. The Frenchman has snubbed the Terras in favour of returning to the League with Shrewsbury Town.

Hill said: "Alex has said he is joining Shrewsbury which is disappointing because I was hopeful of signing him. The whole thing

rested on him getting back into the Football League which is what went against us.

"He was complimentary about our set-up and professionalism though, which was nice to hear, but the bottom line was he wanted to play at a higher level."

Meanwhile, Terras chiefs have again denied reports stating that Cardiff City goalkeeper Arran Lee-Barrett has signed for Weymouth.

Chief executive Gary Calder said: "Arran has definitely not signed for Weymouth at this moment in time.

"He is a player we have spoken to and things may happen later in the summer, but to say he has already signed is premature."