Stumbling blocks for boss Hale
By Ky Capel

Thursday 10th September 2009

MATTY Hale is feeling the effects of the Terras’ troubled history in his quest to bring in new faces.

The Weymouth boss is looking to bolster his ranks following three straight defeats, which have left the Terras at the foot of the Blue Square South table.

However, it appears unsettled issues have halted Hale’s progress.

The manager, who has this week released striker Danny Bennett, said: “There is a little bit of space in the budget but my hands are tied at the moment.

“I’ve been trying to get a couple of loan players in but when I’ve identified players who would come in and better the group it’s proved pretty much impossible as there are issues still with us today which are affecting me doing business with other clubs.

“Just when I think I’ve got someone I’ve come across a stumbling block that has been put in my path. It’s not the current board’s fault as the problems have existed for a while.

“Performances haven’t been good of late and I take responsibility for that. I’m trying to get people in to help rectify that but my hands are tied.”

Of Bennett’s departure, Hale added: “Danny has had his contract cancelled by mutual consent so that he can get regular football closer to his home in London.

“He’s not been involved much in recent games and we have enough options in the forward positions with Josh Klein-Davies and Joe Arnold back from injury.”

The question of whether Steve Claridge will once again don the claret and blue for Saturday’s trip to Thurrock remains somewhat unanswered.

Hale though, is confident that the former Premier League striker would help out if asked.

He said: “The possibility of him playing again is not dead in the water. Whether he plays on Saturday dep-ends on two things – whether I can bring in one or two new faces this week and what shape I decide to go with for Saturday’s game.

“It’ll be my decision in the end but Steve is prepared to help out when and where he can.”