Coutts Capture…. but weather may scupper Halifax game
By Adam Summers

Friday 19th January 2007

WEYMOUTH'S trip to Halifax Town in Nationwide Conference National tomorrow is under threat.
Adverse weather conditions including torrential rain and strong winds has caused the playing surface at The Shay to become saturated and a pitch inspection will take place this morning.

The Terras, who have not played for 19 days, are keen for the game to go ahead despite the recent problems that have surrounded the club.

Speaking yesterday, new Weymouth player-boss Jason Tindall said: "In my opinion it would be a negative if the match did not go ahead because all the players and myself are really looking forward to it.

"We all want to get back playing again and the other danger is that we will end up with a fixture pile up at the end of the season. Fingers are crossed that we will get some good news."

Despite the uncertainty that still surrounds the Dorset club, Tindall believes a play-off place is still not beyond the Terras.

During the past ten days Weymouth have parted company with ex-manager Garry Hill and his assistant Kevin Hales, lost five players to permanent moves, and announced that the club is in the middle of a financial crisis.

Tindall said: "Despite everything that has happened we are still in a fantastic position in the league (seventh) and I am sure if we all dig in we will be okay.

"We have still got to aim for the sky and if we can go out and give our all in every game who knows? We might well surprise a few people.

"Although we have lost five, we have still got some quality players here and I have told them that the play-offs is still a realistic target.

"I am not saying it is going to be easy to get in that top five. We are down to the bare bones and one, two, three or maybe even four other players might end up going as well but we have got to push on and look upwards rather than downwards."

AFC Bournemouth midfielder James Coutts will travel with the Terras to Halifax if the game is given the green light.

The Weymouth-born 19-year-old has been drafted in on a loan deal until the end of the season.

Apart from Ben Smith who is sus­pended, the rest of the Terras' squad will also make the trip. It should include Jason Matthews, Matt Baker, Tony James, Ashley Vickers, Roy O'Brien, Trevor Challis, Tindall, Simon Weatherstone, Dean Howell, Nick Crittenden, Raphael Nade, Chukki Eribenne and Richard Logan.

Several of those are still being linked with moves away from the Wessex Stadium but Tindall is happy with the quality of players he currently has available.

He said: "There is no other news in regards to comings and goings except that James Coutts has come in until the end of the season on loan.

"Except for Ben Smith everyone else is available and without a doubt we will be fielding an experienced side capable of winning any game at this level. A few of the youngsters will also travel with us and at the moment there are three or four in contention."