STAR striker Warren Byerley requires an operation on an injured knee which could rule him out for the start of next season.

The 26-year-old, who has netted 50 goals in 96 games for the Terras over the past two seasons, needs a piece of floating bone removed but unless he goes private it could take up to 12 weeks before the necessary surgery can take place.

Weymouth boss Brendon King told Echosport: “Warren has had a scan and he has a piece of bone floating around that needs to come out.

“Going down the NHS route it could take anything up to 12 weeks before he is called in again and then another six weeks for him to recover from the operation and return to training.

“That would mean he would miss all of pre-season and probably the first month of the campaign, which would clearly be a huge blow.

“Obviously, we could go private but that would depend on cost as it isn’t cheap and there is only so far the budget can stretch.”

Chairman Nigel Biddlecombe added: “I have told Warren we will certainly try and help him if we can but it is not something we have discussed formally yet as a board.

“We are just waiting to get the full facts and then we will see what we can do from there.”

Biddlecombe also updated Echosport on the current situation regarding ongoing talks with players.

He said: “The club has been talking to several players over the last few days but of course at this stage of the season everyone keeps their options open so there is nothing definite at the moment.”

As reported at the weekend, goalkeeper Tom Manley is considering a U-turn on his retirement plans.

Biddlecombe went on to say: “I think it would be brilliant if Tom stayed.

“He would regret it if he stopped now. You are a long time retired in football and I am sure we can work with him to get over any scheduling problems in regards to his employment.”

* With the Wessex League now starting a week earlier next term, Horndean have been forced to postpone their pre-season friendly with the Terras, which was scheduled for August 4.