Webb capture
By Adam Summers
Thursday 15th May 2008
WEYMOUTH have bolstered their squad by signing the son of
a former England international.
Joshua Webb, whose father Neil made his name at Nottingham
Forest and was player-coach of the Terras for a short two-month
stint in 1997, arrives at the Wessex Stadium on a one-year
deal after learning his trade at Reading's youth academy.
The midfielder netted four times for the Royals' under-18
side last season, including a fine opener against Manchester
City in the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup at the Madejski
Stadium.
City hit back with a hat-trick from Daniel Sturridge in that
tie and went on to lift the trophy, beating Chelsea 4-2 on
aggregate in the final.
The Terras have also brought in Sam Cutler, an 18-year-old
from Cambridge United and assistant-manager Alan Lewer is
delighted.
He said: "John Hollins and myself are very friendly
with Eamonn Dolan who is the Academy and Under-18s manager
at Reading and he was the one who recommended Josh to us.
"Eamonn has put several players our way in the past including
Scott Rendell when he could not find a club. Since then Scott
has done really well and earlier this year was sold for £115,000
so we put trust in his judgement.
"Josh could have gone to Wolves or Coventry City on
a six-week trial and I think Exeter City and Brentford were
also interested in him as well so to beat them to his signature
is very pleasing.
"Being Neil Webb's son, he already has a pedigree, and
Neil himself has said to us he would rather him come here
and learn his trade in men's football than just play in someone's
reserve team for a couple of years.
"As for Sam, he is a midfielder who can also play at
right back. He was at Cambridge United when I was there and
before that he was at Charlton Athletic's academy.
"He played for Cambridge's youth team last season and
he did very well in the FA Youth Cup helping the side reach
the second round proper.
"I am surprised that his outstanding performances in
that did not earn him a full-time deal but we are delighted
to take him.
"He is only just 18 and at that age players can go one
of two ways. They can either, develop and go on, or fall by
the way side. Sam is a very determined and dedicated boy so
I am sure in his case it will be the former."
Weymouth are also keeping close tabs on forward Tony Bedeau,
who was released by Torquay United on Tuesday.
The 29-year-old, who is a full international for Grenada,
made nine appearances for the Terras during a loan spell earlier
this year.
Boss Hollins said: "It is correct that Torquay have
let Tony go and Alan has already spoken to him but it will
take a bit of time to talk with the various people involved
to see if anything can be done."
James Coutts has agreed terms with the Terras and is just
waiting to put pen to paper, while Michael Malcolm is also
believed to be close to securing a deal.
However, the futures of Trevor Challis and Paolo Vernazza
are still in doubt with the former being heavily linked with
a move to Blue Square South side Eastleigh.
Hollins added: "Talks with Michael and James should
be completed soon. We are also still talking to Paolo Vernazza
and are waiting for calls back from several other players."
Swindon Town have also announced that defender Chris Blackburn
has left the County Ground.
The centre-back enjoyed a successful loan spell at the Terras
last season and has already held talks with Hollins and Lewer
about the possibility of a permanent deal but several League
clubs are also believed to be in the hunt for him.
