Striker Hayles linked with move to Terras
By Adam Summers

Tuesday 10th August 2010

WEYMOUTH boss Ian Hutchinson is hopeful of securing the services of a high-calibre striker before this Saturday’s opener against Halesowen Town in the Zamaretto Premier Division.

And Echosport understands the frontman the Terras have been tracking is ex-Premier League ace Barry Hayles, who was released by Cheltenham Town at the end of last season.

The 38-year-old, who has also played for the likes of Fulham, Leicester City and Plymouth Argyle, would be a valuable addition to Hutchinson’s young squad, which is also expected to be boosted by the signing of Cameron Mawer after he turned out in Saturday’s 3-1 defeat against Dorchester Town. Understandably, Hutchinson refused to reveal the identity of the striker he is targeting but did say he hopes to add at least three new signings to his squad ahead of the big kick-off.

He said: “We have been in talks with a striker for a while but that is all I can say on that.

“I am hoping to have three new faces in by Saturday but it is not easy with the budget we have.

“We are continuing to work overtime, along with the board and the chairman, and hopefully we will have some more news soon.”

Mawer was used as a second-half substitute against the Magpies and if he signs it will mark the start of a third spell at the club.

Hutchinson said: “I am hoping to get Cameron down here. He has played here before, he knows the area and he is liked by the supporters.

“He also has a great attitude and always gives 110 per cent. And the fact he is versatile, and can play at the back or in midfield, means he will help add that bit of steel which we have been looking for.”

* PASSION, commitment and desire are the three key words that will no doubt be ringing in the ears of the Weymouth squad this week.

They are the components that Terras’ boss Ian Hutchinson wants instilled in all his players as they prepare to embark on the tough task of overhauling a 10-point deficit and securing survival in the Zamaretto Premier League.

Hutchinson’s ranks is still alarmingly thin on the ground in terms of experienced heads but the steel his young side showed in the opening hour of Saturday’s friendly defeat against Dorchester Town did prove the current crop are capable of mixing it when the going gets touch.

That would have no doubt buoyed the Terras’ management staff, but they are certainly under no illusions about the scale of the challenge that lies ahead.

He said: “This summer has seen a fresh start for us. A lot of new faces and local lads have come in, and have been given the chance to have a go.

“Performances have been up and down but we have slowly blended a young side together and they are all now very aware of what is expected of them, and that 100 per cent passion, commitment and desire.

“We know we still need to add a few experienced heads and over this week we will be endeavouring to do that. The budget is tight and there is not a lot left so we all we can do is try and work that the best we can.

“We knew it was going to be tough when we came back to the club but we just have to get on with it, and the aim now is to have some good training sessions this week in preparation for Saturday’s opener at Halesowen, which is a tough start for us.

“We always knew that things would not happen overnight and it would all be about progression over the season but with the 10-point deduction we have, we also know how much it would help our cause it if we could get some points on the board early.

“However, a season is over 42 games, and as long as we are outside that relegation zone by the end of it, we will be happy.

“Survival is the key. If we can achieve that, we will then be able to push on the following season.”