GEOFF Butler today paid tribute to outgoing Terras chairman, Terry Bennett.

Bennett resigned from the post after the Terras secured their Dr Martens Premier Division status with a 1-1 draw against Hastings United on Saturday, with

Ian Ridley expected to be named as his replacement, later today.

Manager Butler said: "I would like to thank Terry for all his support and I'm delighted he has decided to stay on as a director of the club.

"This season has been one of the toughest in the club's history and he's put his heart and soul into keep Weymouth's head above water.

"The manager\chairman relationship is obviously a very important one and ours has been terrific. Terry has always been there when I needed him and I'm grateful for the support and backing that he and his board have given me throughout."

He added: "Terry Bennett is one of those supporters who wears his heart on his sleeve and I don't think I've ever worked with

a more passionate and caring man. They say that if you cut

him in half he'd have the words Weymouth Football Club running right through him and I can believe it.

"It's taken a lot of hard work to keep us in the Dr Martens Premier Division and no one has put in more time and effort than Terry."

* The Ron Harris Evening at the Wessex Stadium this coming Friday has been postponed.