THE bookies believe Weymouth are among the favourites to be relegated from the Dr Martens Premier Division next season.

Odds just announced by the Non-League Football Magazine quote the Terras at 40-1 for promotion to the Conference next season - and of the division's 22 teams only Paul Parker's Chelmsford are less fancied to go up.

But Terras' boss Geoff Butler reckons they've got it all wrong. "Those figures suggest they think we will be relegated," said Butler. "They have obviously looked at the financial situation and the upheaval over the past few months and decided we are going to struggle.

"But I can assure you that is nowhere near the truth. I am very confident that despite everything that has happened we are going to have a very good season.

"I have never said we would win promotion but if I was a gambling man and was allowed to bet, which I am not, I would definitely have a tenner on us at 40-1."

Dorchester have been quoted as 11-4 favourites to win the Dr Martens Eastern Division next season.

"I don't think that means very much," commented Magpies boss Mark Morris. "It's obviously based on the fact that we finished third and only lost five games all season. We were a good side last year and could still be this season - but if the favourites won every time, we would all be rich and the bookies wouldn't."

"With three clubs coming down into our league from the Premier and sides like Bashley and Sittingbourne likely to be stronger I think it is going to be much more difficult to win this division."

Dover Athletic, who were relegated back to the Dr Martens Premier Division from the Conference last season, are the bookies' favourites to make a quick return with Tamworth second favourites for the Premier Division title at 7-2.

Bashley and Dartford have been installed as joint second favourites to win the Eastern Division at 7-2.

FA Trophy holders Yeovil are 4-1 favourites to retain the non-League cup and have been quoted at the same odds to win the Conference - although last season's runners-up Dagenham and Redbridge are 10-3 favourites to make it into the Football League next time around.