Saint Kyle hopes for Wessex call
By Matt Pitman

Tuesday 19th July 2005

KYLE Critchell admits the possibility of returning to Weymouth in a Southampton shirt tonight is `something special'.

The resort-born teenager will discover later today whether he is included in the Saints squad visiting the Terras for a pre-season friendly ( 7.45pm).

The Coca-Cola Champion-ship side are also sending a team to play at Weymouth's Conference South rivals Eastleigh.

But versatile Critchell, who left the Terras to join Southampton and has just signed a new two-year deal with the Saints, is keeping his fingers crossed he will be on duty at the Wessex Stadium.

The 18-year-old told Echo-sport: "We're sending teams

to both Weymouth and Eastleigh tonight and as yet, we're not sure who is going where.

"But I'm definitely hoping to be part of the squad going to Weymouth because returning to the Wessex as a Southampton player is something I'm really looking forward to doing.

"Playing against Weymouth, where I spent 18 great months, would be something special and would give me a great feeling.

"Lots of people at Weymouth, like the then reserve manager Dave Kiteley, really helped me develop as a player and without them I wouldn't be where I am now.

"At the time I was only 15- years-old, playing alongside and against people a lot older, but they guided me and so it would be nice to go back tonight and play in front of many of the same supporters."

Critchell's long-term prospects at St Mary's received a huge boost over the summer when he was handed a new two-year contract.

And the former Terra hopes he won't have to wait too long before getting a taste of first team action.

"Getting a new contract was a massive relief because although I worked hard, you're never totally sure what the future holds," he said.

"But the coaches seem pleased with me, which is good, and now I've got a new deal I want to try and kick on from here.

"I'm 18 now and at a crucial time in my career because I'm keen to try and make the breakthrough into the first team.

"I've played fairly regularly for the reserves over the last couple of years and hopefully I can continue to progress by stepping up or by going out on loan to gain first team experience at a good level."

Terras boss Garry Hill is also delaying naming his starting eleven.

He said: "I've been pleased with the ways things have gone in the first fortnight of pre-season and feel we're progressing well.

"After Southampton tonight, we've also got another friendly at Westland Sports on Thursday night so the personnel against the Saints will be pretty settled although I want to wait for a few things before naming the side.

"Playing against the standard of opposition like Southampton will be a good indication of how far we've come in a short space of time.

"The players not involved tonight against Southampton will play at Westland Sports on Thursday and by doing that we're giving everyone a fair crack of the whip."