Big game dedicated to Lucas
By Adam Summers

Tuesday 17th August 2010

WEYMOUTH chairman George Rolls has confirmed that half the gate receipts from Thursday night’s Zamaretto Premier Division home clash against Swindon Supermarine (7.45pm) will go to the family of the club’s late president Bob Lucas.

The gesture is just a small part of what will be a fitting tribute to the Terras legend, who sadly passed away last Thursday.

The fixture will be the first competitive match to take place at the newly named Bob Lucas Stadium and Rolls is urging fans to turn out in force to honour the former keeper.

He said: “We are dedicating the game to Bob and we are urging the whole town to turn up, as we will be donating half the gate receipts to the family to help them with whatever they need at this time.

“Unfortunately, I won’t be at the game as it is my father-in-law’s funeral that day but after everything Bob has done for the club, he deserves a fitting tribute in front of a big crowd and that is why I postponed the reserve-team game on Saturday.

“There will be a minute’s silence and the players will be wearing black armbands as they did on Saturday at Halesowen Town. Bob’s wife Jean will also be at the game.”

It has also been decided that the former physio will remain as lifetime president of the club and that the title, will not bequest anyone else.

Meanwhile, Weymouth Reserves will be in action tonight when they begin their Magna Dorset Premier League campaign at local rivals Portland United (6.30pm).

Terras’ boss Ian Hutchinson will be taking a first-team training session and will miss the game but afterwards he is expecting to hear positive reports from the club’s second-string management team of Brendon King and Mark Carter.

He said: “It is a shame I cannot be there. We have some good, young local lads at the club now and although things are not going to happen overnight for them, it is very important they keep working hard and keep performing.

“It is just a case of waiting for that chance and taking it when it comes along, and they have to understand that.

“They showed outstanding attitudes and commitment throughout pre-season and it has been tough for them because they have had to experience things that perhaps they have not been used to in the past.

“Tonight at Portland, a few of them will be playing against their former club and it is another chance to stake a claim.

“I will certainly be looking forward to hearing Brendon and Mark’s thoughts afterwards.”