Terras land Lincoln ace
By Paul Baker

Saturday 25th June 2005

GARRY Hill believes Ritchie Hanlon can solve Weymouth's midfield goalscoring problems.

The former Chelsea apprentice has signed a two-year deal with the Terras after being released by last year's League Two beaten play-off finalists, Lincoln City.

"If you look back at Weymouth's recent league records," explained Hill, "then goals from midfield, or the lack of them, have been a big problem. It's something I'm very conscious of and that's why we have gone out and signed Ritchie Hanlon.

"At 6ft 2in he's a big lad and obviously that height is a great asset. He's a tough player who loves going forward and the sort who'll score you ten or 15 goals a season.

"Certainly that's the kind of target I'll be setting him and I'm sure he'll achieve it. He's another quality player coming to Weymouth from the Football League and I'm delighted because there were a few other clubs after his signature."

Hanlon, who scored four times in 22 starts for the Imps last term, began his career as a Stamford Bridge junior in 1994. After failing to make the grade with the Blues, he then joined Southend United.

Spells at Welling, Rushden and Peterborough followed before the Londoner arrived at Stevenage at the start of last season. From there he joined Lincoln on loan before moving to Sincil Bank permanently in December.

Hill added: "I know plenty about Ritchie and I think he's just the sort of player we need. One thing he has got is plenty of experience and that's invaluable at this level."

Hanlon's arrival at the Wessex Stadium could signal the start of another busy period of transfer activity as the Terras prepare to turn full-time in July.

Hill, speaking exclusively to Echosport from his holiday home in Portugal, added: "Things are shaping up well and I'm pleased with the look of the squad. The support and help I've received from the chairman Martyn Harrison has been unbelievable and I can't thank him enough.

"There are still a few pieces of the jigsaw missing although I'm hoping they'll be in place early next week. I might be on holiday with the family overseas but that doesn't mean I'm not working flat out, trying to bring players to the club.

"Up front is the area I'm working on hardest and it's no secret that I've got a particular player in mind. I can't say who it is at this stage although I'm getting closer to doing a deal every day."

Although Hill refused to name names, it's believed the player he's on the verge of bringing to the south coast is Peterborough striker Wayne Purser.

He explained: "Like I say, I'm not naming names but it's no secret I like the look of Wayne Purser. But to get him we'll have to hold off competition from a lot of bigger clubs so we'll just have to wait and see what happens."