Weymouth

Weymouth FC is a non-league football club who were formed in 1890 and are located in the seaside town of the same name, which is located on the south coast of England in the county of Dorset.

‘The Terras’, nicknamed as such because of the clubs terracotta colours, started out playing matches at Lodmore, before moving to Goldcroft Road, Westham from where they became founder members of the Dorset League and lifted the Dorset Junior Cup on three occasions.

In 1897 Weymouth negotiated a lease with the town council to move into a new ground in the town centre which was originally named the Athletic Ground before the Recreation Ground, as they  became members of the Western League in 1907-08, joining Division Two.

Weymouth left the Western League in 1914 but returned for the 1921-22 season as the club were placed in Division One; going on to become league champions in 1922-23. The club opted to drop down to Division Two in 1928, before going on to lift the divisional title in 1933-34, 1936-37 and 1937-38.

Following the second World War Weymouth enjoyed a purple patch, winning promotion from Division two of the Western League in 1947-48 and enjoying some fine exploits in the FA Cup.

The 1948-49 season saw the team defeat Trowbridge Town in the fourth qualifying round to set up a tie at The Recreation Ground against Chelmsford City, which was won 2-1, before bowing out at home to local rivals Yeovil Town in Round Two. Weymouth joined the Southern League at the end of the season.

The Cup run in 1949-50 went one better. A win in the first round against Aldershot was backed up with a home win over Hereford United. Weymouth’s reward was a third round tie away to Manchester United. United won the match 4-0 at maine Road, as Old Trafford was still being repaired following the War.

Weymouth finished as Southern League runners-up in 1951-52 and 1954-55. The decade also saw the team reach the second round of the FA Cup on four occasions. Notable victories were accrued against Bedford Town, Salisbury and Shrewsbury Town until the Terras bowed out to Bristol Rovers, Leyton Orient, Southend United and Southampton.

The 1961-62 season saw Weymouth defeat Dorchester Town, Barnet, Newport County and Morecame to reach Round Four, where the side went down 2-0 to Preston North End at Deepdale.

Weymouth won the Southern League title in 1964-65, before going on to retain the title the following season. In the 1968-69 season a win over Yeovil Town in the FA Cup saw the club reach round two, where they went out in a replay to Swansea City.

After finishing as Southern League runners-up in 1977-78 as legendary manager Brian Godfrey began his spell at the club, Weymouth became founder members of the Alliance Premier League, as the Conference and then the National League was originally titled, for the 1979-80 season.

Star defender Graham Roberts made his mark before being transferred to Tottenham Hotspur in May 1980 for £35,000.

The 1982-83 season saw Weymouth reach the third round of the FA Cup following victories against Cheltenham Town, Maidstone United and Cardiff City. The run was ended at the Abbey Stadium, away to Cambridge United as future Premier League star Andy Townsend made his mark at the club.

Weymouth moved from their town centre Recreation Ground to the out of town Wessex Stadium in 1987 as Godfrey was replaced by Stuart Morgan. Manchester United were the opponents for the official opening.

The move was initially a success, until the team were relegated to the Southern League at the end of the 1988-89 campaign as Morgan made way for new boss Gerry Gow as future top flight player Shaun Teale led the defence before moving to AFC Bournemouth for a £50,000 fee.

Further disappointment followed, as Weymouth were relegated to the Southern Division in 1990-91. The team regained their Premier Division status in 1991-92 with Len Drake in charge of the team, after finishing as league runners-up.

However, the turbulent period didn’t end there as the Terras went down once again in 1992-93 under experienced boss Len Ashurst. Weymouth returned to their top flight status in 1997-98 under manager Fred Davies after managers such as Trevior Senior, Graham Carr and Neil Webb all failed in the position at the Wessex Stadium.

Journalist and author Ian Ridley took control of the club in 2003–04, appointing veteran football league goalscorer Steve Claridge as player-manager, in a move that provided the club with much publicity as gates increased and the team just missed out on promotion to the Conference.

Martyn Harrison arrived as a board member in a move that led to Ridley departing. Harrison soon sacked Claridge, with Steve Johnson and then Garry Hill taking over as manager. Harrison tried to sell the Wessex Stadium to Asda, but the plans were turned down, while the club became members of the newly formed Conference South.

In the 2005-06 season Weymouth managed to draw 1-1 away to Nottingham Forest in the first round of the FA Cup, before losing the home replay before going on to list the Conference South title and join the National division.

In January 2007 Harrison transfer listed the full squad to save the club financially, as Hill was replaced by Jason Tindall. Harrison sold the club to Tindall’s father-in-law, who proceeded to sack the manager and replace him with former Chelsea legend John Hollins, as further plans were drawn up to relocate the club to a new site in town.

Malcolm Curtis took over the club ownership as Weymouth hit serious financial troubles. Players departed with the club £30,000 in debt, forcing the under 18’s to play in a home game against Kettering Town that ended in a 0-9 home defeat.

Ridley returned in March 2008 and put former Wales boss Bobby Gould in charge of the team, but it was too little too late as Weymouth plummeted to relegation to the Conference South.

Matty Hale was appointed as the new manager in May 2009, before the board announced in August of that year that Weymouth FC needed £50,000 to stave off Administration and possible liquidation. Local businesses rallied to raise the required cash.

Ian Hutchison replaced a struggling Hale, before Ridley and chief executive Dave Higson departed. Once again the club was threatened by possible high court action, before it was sold to former Cambridge United chairman, George Rolls.

Jerry Gill was appointed as the new manager before Rolls announced that the club was £822,000 in debt and proposed they entered into a Company Voluntary Agreement. The team was relegated to the Southern League at the completion of the 2009-10 season.

Fans favourite Hutchison was re-employed as manager as the Wessex Stadium was renamed The Bob Lucas Stadium in honour of the eighty five year old club president Bob Lucas, who died from cancer shortly after.

Harrison was sacked for a second time, to be replaced by former Terras player Martyn Rogers who faced an uphill battle as the team were deducted ten points from entering into a CVA. The team escaped relegation on the final day of the season by bettering the result of Didcot Town.

Director and lifelong fan Nigel Biddelcombe completed a takeover of the club from Rolls; who departed and helped in the financial demise of Kettering Town. Biddelcombe set up a Supporters Trust, so that no one person could have total control of the club again.

Brendon King was appointed as manager in June 2011 as the club began to rebuild slowly. He lasted until December 2013 when the former Weymouth goalkeeper Jason Matthews took over, leading the side to a couple of seventh place finishes.

Matthews was dismissed in April 2017 after a disappointing season saw Weymouth eventually finish in tenth position. Another former player and England C international, Mark Molesley was appointed in his place. 

The Terras ended the 2017-18 campaign in the play-off places, but lost 3-0 away to King's Lynn Town in the semi-final before being transferred to the newly formed Premier Division South for the 2018-19 season.

Molesey's team went on to become champions, sealing the title on the final day of the 2018-19 season and winning promotion to the National League South.

Weymouth FC will play in the National League South in the 2019-20 season.

My visit

Weymouth 0 Torquay United 1 (Saturday 22^nd July 2017) Pre Season Friendly (att: 528)

It was my long weekend away from work so armed with cheap advanced rail tickets I headed to Waterloo a little seedier than preferred after attending the T20 at The Oval between Surrey and Middlesex the night before.

Breaking up my journey in Dorchester so that I could go and have a look at Town’s Avenue Stadium, I arrived around 12.30pm on the seafront in Weymouth ready for adventure for seven or so hours.

Social media had assisted as Col Whelan saw my Facebook post and location. He was able to offer me pub advice, but first I had a walk to have a look at the marina, the bustling town centre and wander over the scenic area around the River Wey.

Taking Col’s advice I located the Boot Inn in the old High Street across the bridge. Weymouth’s oldest pub had a decent choice of beer in a lovely building. Talk among the blokes was the ridiculous transfer fees in modern football. I concurred totally.

I’d planned to get to the Bob Lucas Stadium bus and then walking. However, as I walked outside the pub the heavens opened. I think my stop was outside Asda; the site of Weymouth FC’s old Recreation Ground.

The rain was so heavy that I headed to town looking for shelter, and coming across a taxi office completely by accident. I needed no second invitation. Within minutes my car had arrived and I was outside the stadium for a £7 fare.

I paid my £9 admission into the ground and went to the second floor bar via an entrance on the ground floor of the Main Stand. No programmes were printed and although I saw a few teamsheets I never saw anyone selling them.

Upstairs I bought a bottle of Ringwood 49er beer, failing to remember that it was on the strong side. The Chelsea v Arsenal friendly from China was on the TV, though not too many were giving it anything than a cursory glance.

Showers were threatening as I walked back outside to purchase a pie and a Bovril before I took up a position in the raised seated Main Stand to take a look at the substantial venue. The portions of chips for £3 were the largest I think I’d seen in a ground.

My initial impression was that the ground needed some attention and maintenance. It had been built with League football the ambition. The clubs financial struggles had obviously had a knock on effect regards aesthetics. It was too big for the club; especially at their status of the time.

The other three sides had cover over the banks of terracing that wrapped all the way around the pitch. Crush barriers were aplenty, along with fencing for segregation as and when required. All four sides had toilet facilities; with three having open refreshment stalls.

A hundred or so visiting Gulls had travelled west for the game; including a mini bus full of rabble who’d obviously taken on drink. Home fans had also turned out in decent numbers. Their team started off in fine style.

Centre forward Harry Baker had made the step up from Gillingham Town and was proving a handful for the Torquay defence. He came close with a low shot after Calvin Brooks created the opportunity. He continued to feature throughout the half.

Terras’ Callum Buckley had an earlier deflected shot saved by Ryan Clarke. Baker came close again but was off target trying to lob Clarke. New Zealand international Rory Fallon was appearing on trial for Torquay and he came close with a header.

Weymouth had the better of the first period, Torquay’s player manager, Kevin Nicholson, the but ex Scarborough FC full back must have had words during the interval as his side looked a different outfit immediately after the break.

During the interval I found out that I was one number away from winning £10 in the half time draw. The range of prizes both for the cash and meat draws were plentiful. I’d have struggled with chicken fillets on the train home mind!

On forty seven minutes Jon-Paul Pittman got to a flicked header from Fallon, outmuscling defender Toby Down, before slotting home past home keeper Mark Travers. United’s dominance would continue for large periods in the second half.

With twenty five minutes remaining Travers pulled off a fantastic double save. He pushed away an effort from Harry Bell before the ball was returned into the box. Yan Klukowski saw his header superbly stopped.

The visitors made several changes to enable their players some valuable match time. They remained pretty much in control of the game; although Weymouth’s Brandon Goodship came close with an angled drive that went over the bar.

I’d enjoyed the changes as it brought the PA man into action. He sounded a jolly chap, who did a reasonable resemblance to Benny Hill singing “Ernie, the Fastest Milkman in the West” while not being able to pronounce his r’s. It made me chuckle. Perhaps it was the beer?

It had been a decent match to watch for a neutral as both sides gave plenty of effort. Weymouth had impressed me. At full time I put in my own exercise period as I walked up the hill on Radipole Lane to the Fiveways bus stop, where I caught the service back to the terminus.

With time to kill I wanted to find a nice pub for an hour or so before eating. The Dolphin in Park Street looked to be just the job. It belonged to the Hop Back Brewery of Salisbury. I liked their beers and when I saw that Summer Lightening was on offer I was more than happy.

It was a friendly pub, whose customers I described at the time on social media as being like contestants from the TV show Bullseye. There was decent enough background music, while the British Open was on the TV.

The nice clean pub had a separate area for families and those wishing to play darts or board games. The amiable landlord was helpful in suggestions for supper and allowing me to charge my phone.

I got talking to a local about the golf. He was keener than me on the game, but it was lovely to have a chat and enjoy some of the amazing play and scenic camera work. It was an hour well spent and the beer was in top form.

Taking the advice I found the suggested fish and chip shop up the road. Among their specialities was a mushy pea ball fried in batter. I stuck with a traditional supper and walked to the prom to enjoy it.

It wasn’t bad. I’d certainly had a lot worse, but southerners just couldn’t seem to get the knack of thin crispy batter. I noticed the group of seagulls gathering near to me. The swarm was growing larger as I was getting full.

I don’t suppose for one minute that the leader of the pack who swooped and pinched the last of my fish knew that I was getting full, but fair play. I threw the last of the chips down and watched a feeding frenzy. I’d been well and truly ambushed.

I couldn’t do anything but laugh. Weymouth had been that sought of place. Everyone I came across was friendly. There was even a happy atmosphere in the shop where I grabbed some mints for the journey home.

A fantastic day out was completed by a ride up the Northern line from Waterloo to Hendon where I enjoyed a few pints with pals in the Midland Hotel. If only all football days out could be as good as the trip to Dorset.

Weymouth 3 Hendon 0 (Saturday 9^th March 2019) Southern League Premier Division South (att: 759)

It was back on the road via the team and supporter’s bus for a trip down to Dorset. Hendon’s poor run of form was causing concern among some of the faithful, and a trip to the league leaders looked to be a tricky task.

The journey was made in good time, meaning that we arrived before the clubhouse and turnstiles were open. This was not idea, with the Bob Lucas Stadium being remote to any other pubs.

Dons secretary Daz Bloor had a word and we were told we could pay our £12 admission fee on the reception desk and go upstairs. The bar would open ten minutes later. Programmes were procured for an extra couple of quid.

I got stuck into the bottles of Ringwood Forty Niner with usual travelling pals Bob and Alex as a good congregation of thirsty visiting fans were soon assembled in the upstairs bar as we discussed all sorts of football with a fellow fan from the Isle of Wight.

The teams had met ten days previously, with The Terras coming out on top of a fine encounter 3-2 at Silver Jubilee Park. Hendon had been slightly unfortunate not to get a point from the game. Around fifty visiting fans were hoping that would be the case in the away game.

Greens keeper Andy McCorkell had been questionable for at least one of the Weymouth goals that night, but he was soon called into action in the rematch to make a good save from star striker Brandon Goodship in the second minute.

Ryan Hope had a shot saved comfortably by home custodian Tom McHale as Hendon enjoyed their share of possession. However, it would be the hosts who broke the deadlock just past the half hour mark when Goodship set up Ben Thompson to score with a fine low cross.

There hadn’t been too much in the game, but the clinical nature of Weymouth showed why the sides were in their respective league positions. The Dons responded and could have perhaps been awarded a penalty when Shaquille Hippolyte-Patrick appeared to have been tripped.

Connor Calcutt headed over a Sergio Manesio cross before Luke Tingey’s shot was saved by McHale, as the visitors looked for an equaliser. Despite the forays, the Dons defence and midfield were having to put in an extended shift to repel the Weymouth attacks.

At the break we retired to the bar, where the mood wasn’t too downbeat. Hendon were still in the game, but just how were they going to score? Once back outside I went behind the goal to enjoy a large portion of cheeseburger and chips.

The pattern on the pitch was similar to that in the first half as the Dons midfield were having to put in the hard yards to protect their defence. Eventually, they were breached on sixty four minutes when Adulai Baggie picked out Yemi Odubade to score.

The visiting players and bench were angry as the breakaway came after it looked like another unspotted foul on Hippolyte-Patrick had occurred. It was typical of the sort of decision befalling struggling teams, and Hendon were certainly receiving them in plentiful numbers.

It nearly got worse soon after as Goodship saw his shot come back off the post with McCorkell well beaten. Greens boss Jimmy Gray made three substitutions to try and get something from the game, but to little effect.

The excellent Goodship was to prove provider a minute from full time as his clever pass saw Calvin Brooks nip in to beat McCorkell to the ball and score. I was frustrated with the 3-0 scoreline, but Weymouth had that extra special class up top; reflecting their playing budget.

At full time we headed back upstairs to await the players who were to grab their post match food. Manager Gray was pragmatic about the situation. Some fans were being unrealistically pessimistic; at least in my view.

The players looked down, and absolutely shattered. One fan suggested that they didn’t care. That couldn’t have been further from the mark. They were having a bad time, but effort certainly wasn’t one of the factors; and definitely not on this occasion.

The journey back was just as smooth. We were back at SJP just gone 9pm and the driver was kind enough to give me a ride back up the hill after I’d taken on the job of having a clear up of the rubbish. It was a despondent day in some ways, but I knew that the team would fight back.