Survival game for Terras
By Ky Capel
Thursday 15th July 2010
Ian Hutchinson insisted survival is the key for Weymouth
following the release of this season’s fixtures.
The Terras begin their Zamaretto Premier Division campaign
with a trip to Halesowen on Saturday, August 14, while their
first home match takes place on Thursday, August 19 when Swindon
Supermarine visit the Wessex Stadium.
Hutchinson’s men also face Oxford City, Salisbury City,
Evesham United and Bashley in the opening month of the season.
And the Weymouth boss believes his side, who begin the term
with a 10-point deduction following March’s Company Voluntary
Arrangement (CVA), have been handed a tricky start to life
in the Zamaretto League.
He said: “It’s a tough start but at the end of
the day you’ve got to play these sides at some point.
We’re aware of how tough it will be but it doesn’t
matter who you play and when you play them.
“With the 10-point deduction, getting off to a good
start is something that would help as we want to get out of
the minuses as soon as possible.
“The main aim for us is to survive and hopefully by
the end of the last game we will be safe.”
The Terras, who close the season with a trip to Truro City
on Monday, April 25, are set to stage four home games on a
Thursday night next term, to which Hutchinson added: “I
think it’s a decision made by the Zamaretto League but
it doesn’t give you long to rest between games on a Thursday
and a Saturday.
“It’s quite bizarre, and something I’ve never
experienced before, but that’s the way it is and the
way it has to be.
“One plus point is that on a Thursday night there aren’t
usually any live Premier League or Champions League games
on TV, so that might help in terms of the gate.”
Meanwhile, Hutchinson has finally received contact from elusive
defender Martin Slocombe.
However, the chances of seeing the full-back return to the
club look slim.
The Terras’ chief said: “He got in touch with me
and said he was concerned about the travelling, which is understandable.
“Location seems to be a common problem with this club
and it’s tougher to get players in. But that’s where
the local lads come in.
“We will play it by ear with Martin but I said to him
I have got to get on and plan a team for this season. At this
moment in time it looks like he won’t be coming but the
door is still open for him – it’s up to him.”
Current squad members, and those hoping to earn a prolonged
stay on the south coast, underwent a gruelling session at
Weymouth Amateur Boxing Club on Tuesday night.
Hutchinson added: “It was something different and it
was a really hard workout for the boys. For that I would like
to thank Afsheen Panjalizadeh, Mark Ford, Nick Bell and David
Nelmes.
“They put us through our paces, I got roped in as well
and I would recommend it to anyone. The boys are hurting from
it but it was great for camaraderie and team spirit.”
* Weymouth’s next friendly is at home to Crawley Town
on Saturday.
Entry is free of charge.
* A shareholders’ meeting will take place on Thursday,
July 29 (7.30pm) to discuss signing off the AGM for the last
two years and the ongoing legal action against Wessex Park
Limited and ex-chairman Malcolm Curtis.
Following the AGM there will be a fans’ forum at 8.30pm,
hosted by Ian Hutchinson and Andy Mason.
Shareholders wishing to attend the meeting should email georgerolls@btinternet.com
* Former Premier League referee Jeff Winter will be the main
speaker at the Terras’ first sportsman’s dinner
of the season on August 26.
Comedian Tank Sherman will also be on show at the Wessex
Stadium event, which includes a meal of fish and chips and
a sporting auction.
Tickets cost £25 (plus VAT) each or £225 (plus
VAT) for a table of 10.
Email georgerolls@btinternet.com or geoffwfc@aol.co.uk to
purchase tickets.
