Hutch in return to dugout as Terras
take on Gulls
By Derek Bish
Thursday 8th July 2010
IAN Hutchinson returns to the Wessex Stadium dugout for the
first time since his reappointment as manager of Weymouth
when Torquay United visit the resort on Saturday (3pm).
At least half a dozen trialists are expected to take to the
field for Hutchinson against the Gulls, including Bridgwater
goalkeeper Tom Manley and Bournemouth youngsters Bradley MacGookin
and Matt Oldring, as well as a number of local players.
However, Simon Radcliffe’s position in the team is in
doubt after the left-sided player aggravated a long-standing
groin injury.
“If he’s not 100 per cent fit there’s no point
in playing him because he probably just needs rest,”
said Hutchinson, who is looking forward to the challenge of
facing an Npower League Two outfit.
He added: “This game may have come early but I’m
delighted Torquay could come down and we are not going to
turn down the chance for a league side to visit.
“It will be a tough test but we have to take the positives
from it. It will provide great experience for the younger
lads and a few who haven’t been at this standard before.
“It would be great to see as many supporters there as
possible to give the boys a cheer and see what we are trying
to do this season.
“Maybe a couple of the local lads will be involved and
might have a chance to show what they can do.
“They might take to the bigger stage and hope-fully
they will.”
Playing such high-calibre opposition so early in the summer
when Hutchinson’s squad seems far from complete could
be dangerous, but he insists that there will be great benefits
for those involved.
The Terras’ boss said: “It’s just a fitness
exercise for us first and foremost and we’ll certainly
get fit playing in this game because we won’t get much
of the ball.
“I’m not interested in the result one bit. It’s
a fitness and coming together exercise for people to get to
know each other, and hopefully there will be a few impressive
performances from those who want to be involved in the football
club.”
* Tickets are priced at £8 for adults, £5 for
OAPs and £1 for children.
