Oldring: Hutch & Mase were key
By Ky Capel

Thursday 29th July 2010

MATT Oldring has cited the management duo of Ian Hutchinson and Andy Mason as a “big influence” in his decision to join Weymouth.

The former AFC Bournemouth centre-back penned a one-year deal with the Wessex Stadium outfit last week – his first professional contract – after impressing while on trial.

Oldring has cut a composed figure during pre-season and completed 90 minutes against Bridport, Portland United, Wimborne Town and Crawley Town.

Despite a series of poor results, the 18-year-old has nothing but praise for Hutchinson and Mason, who will pilot the Terras in the Zamaretto Premier Division this term.

Oldring said: “Hutch and Mase are honest guys and what they said when they wanted to sign me really appealed to me.

“I like the coaching set-up at the club and they were a big influence in my decision to join. I like what they are trying to do here and I’m enjoying working with them at the moment.

“Our results haven’t been great so far but the teams we have played against in pre-season, even those at a lower level, have all been tough opponents.”

Oldring opted to depart AFC Bournemouth having spent seven years at the club and progressed through the youth ranks into a reserve-team regular.

He believes moving along the south coast – beside fellow ex-Cherry Bradley MacGookin – will enhance his game and views the Terras as the ideal place at which to start his professional career.

Oldring said: “Weymouth have dropped down a couple of leagues but they are a big club. We need to rebuild and I want to be a part of that.

“I had been at Bournemouth since the age of 11 and although it was a difficult decision to leave, it was definitely the right one for my career.

“The experience I had playing for the reserves and training with the first team has helped me a lot and will enable me to do my bit for Weymouth. Hopefully it’s a win-win situation for both of us.”

Oldring admits the Terras’ premier objective is to halt their slide down the non-League pyramid – something he insists is attainable.

He added: “There are a lot of good teams in the league this season, such as Salisbury, so we are under no illusions that we will need to play well in order to avoid relegation.

“But if we can wipe out the 10-point deduction as soon as possible we have a good chance of doing that.

“The lads have bonded even though we have all come from different clubs, and the mood in the camp is excellent.”

* A shareholders’ meeting at the Wessex Stadium tonight (7.30pm) will discuss signing off the recent AGM as well as the ongoing legal action against Wessex Park and ex-chairman Malcolm Curtis.

Shareholders must confirm their attendance by emailing chairman George Rolls at georgerolls@btinternet.com A fans’ forum follows (8.30pm) with Ian Hutchinson and Andy Mason, which all supporters are welcome to attend.

* Weymouth Reserves begin their pre-season campaign tonight at Christchurch (7.45pm).