THE news of Brendon King’s sacking has come as “a massive shock” to the players, according to Jason Matthews.

The veteran keeper, who will take caretaker charge of the Terras at Banbury this afternoon (3pm), is sad to see the duo go but is honest enough to admit that the club has been massively underachieving in recent weeks.

Matthews told Echosport: “It’s really sad but, at the same time, we have under achieved and Brendon has had to carry the can for that.

“During his time in charge, Brendon has helped stabilise the club and, as a chap, he’s fantastic.

“It just hasn’t quite gone our way this season.”

When asked how the rest of the players responded to the news at training on Thursday night, the 38-year-old added: “It has been a massive shock to them all and I would like to think they have been texting Brendon to wish him the best.

“It’s going to be difficult at Banbury but, at the end of the day, we are all paid to do a job.

“Weymouth FC is a great club and we all need to put in a performance at all costs.

“I have spoken to a few of the lads and some of them are feeling a little unconfident and others are feeling disappointed with the way things have gone this season.

“A couple of them also seemed disappointed in themselves.

“It’s a difficult time but now we need to give everything we can to try and turn things around.”

The Terras travel to fifth-placed Banbury on the back of three straight defeats and five in their last seven outings.

But their opponents also lost in midweek and the Terras have won the previous four league meetings between the sides.

Matthews said: “The aim this afternoon is to go solid and try and keep a clean sheet for as long as we can.

“I have got a few ideas but it is all still fresh and I never envisaged being in this position.

“We have just got to be professional and look to get something from the game.”

The vacant hot-seat at the Bob Lucas Stadium is set to be advertised but it appears Matthews will not be applying.

He said: “This has only just been sprung on me and like I said it is something I never envisaged.

“I have no intention of being a manager at present because I still love playing and I don’t think you can combine them both.

“I would still like to play for a couple more years but who knows, when the new manager comes in, I may not be his cup of tea and might have to go myself.

“You have to be prepared for anything in football.”

Ashley Wells was expected to be suspended for this afternoon’s game but according to Matthews he is available to play.

Terras (from): Matthews, McConnell, Poole, M Walker, N Walker, Winsper, Clay, Allen, Symes, Burbidge, Joyce, Ford, Yetton, S Walker, Groves, Greeno, Cafer

* Weymouth chairman Nigel Biddlecombe has confirmed that Matt Groves is set to sign for Frome Town.

He has also revealed that the club has already received several applications for the vacant manager's role.

Biddlecombe said: "Matt Groves has been released as a player and is set to sign for Frome Town.

"Seven applications for the manager's role have been received, either in writing or over the phone."