Cherries chase Smith
By Neil Perrett

Wednesday 10th January 2007

CHERRIES boss Kevin Bond may try to benefit from the upheaval at crisis-hit Weymouth by snapping up Terras' highly-rated skipper Ben Smith.

The Conference outfit was yesterday thrown into turmoil when manager Garry Hill and his players were told they would be axed to save the club from financial ruin.

Speaking to the Daily Echo, Bournemouth last night, Bond said he would be very keen to bring creative midfielder Smith to Dean Court, if the player is made available.

The Chelmsford-born ace, who served his apprenticeship at Arsenal, has been a big hit since joining Weymouth 12 months ago from Shrewsbury.

He played a pivotal role in helping the Dorset club win promotion to the Conference last season and is currently their ten-goal top marksman.

The 28-year-old was also on the books of Reading, Southend and Yeovil, and made 30 appearances for Shrewsbury before heading to the Wessex Stadium.

Bond said: "I would aking Ben Smith from Weymouth. He's a good player.

"I know he's somebody that Garry Hill thinks an awful lot of because he's just signed a new contract (until June 2009).

"Garry would not have wanted to lose him under any circumstances, but he's no longer there and the club appears to be going in a new direction. He scores goals from midfield, he's got bags of energy and is somebody I would like to bring to Bournemouth."