Terras sign up 'born winners'
By Matt Pitman

Tuesday 14 June 2005

BOSS Garry Hill today hailed his trio of new signings as `born winners' who can help fire Weymouth to promotion.

Cardiff City goalkeeper Arran Lee-Barrett, Shrewsbury full-back Trevor Challis and Chester City midfielder Andy Harris have all finally completed their moves to the Terras.

And Hill, who has already secured the return of defender Steve Tully this summer, is now closing in on Peterborough United striker Wayne Purser.

He told Echosport: "To be successful in our league you need to have a spine of the side who are big, strong and not afraid to get stuck in.

"In Arran, Trevor and Andy, we've managed to bring players to Weymouth who have proven ability but are still hungry for success.

"It has taken a little time to get the deals finalised but I'm delighted everything is now sorted and Arran, Trevor and Andy will officially join us from July 1."

Midfielder Harris, 28, moves to the Wessex Stadium after being released from Coca-Cola League Two side Chester City.

Hill said he was delighted at the capture of the former Liverpool trainee and Leyton Orient skipper who has penned a one-year deal.

"Andy is a very competitive player who, like the other lads we've signed, is a born winner," he said.

"He can play either in midfield or at full-back and has stacks of Football League experience, at Southend and then Leyton Orient.

"He's big and strong, can mix it up in midfield when the going gets tough and is someone who will complement the rest of the squad well."

Left-back Challis, 29, has also signed a one-year deal after favouring the Terras over Kidderminster Harriers and Rushden and Diamonds.

"Trevor has years of experience at Queen's Park Rangers and Bristol Rovers and that pedigree will be invaluable to us next season," said Hill.

"He was nearly ever present for Shrewsbury at a higher level than ourselves last season and that will stand us in good stead."

The Terras boss is also backing

ex-Norwich City youngster Lee-Barrett, who joins on a two-year deal, to give current first choice keeper Jason Matthews a run for his money.

"Aaran is a big imposing keeper and although he was only fourth choice at Cardiff, I've seen enough of him to believe he has a good future ahead of him," said Hill.

The trio will all relocate to Dorset before starting full-time training with the club next month.

Meanwhile Terras bosses are hopeful of capturing Purser after the former Hornchurch striker was told he was free to leave Peterborough.

Hill said: "Talks are ongoing with Wayne and his agent and, at this moment in time, all I can say is that he is very much a player I'd like to sign.

"He has been told he is now free to leave Peterborough by their new manager Mark Wright and I'm hoping we can sort things out in the next 72 hours or so."