CHRIS McPhee is intent on repaying the Terras’ fans for the part they played in his return to the Bob Lucas Stadium this summer.

The midfielder, back at the club after five years away, reckons the way that supporters helped fund his move has given him extra motivation to make this season a success.

Money collected from Ian White’s Wessex Fantasy Football game allowed boss Jason Matthews to swoop for the 31-year-old and make McPhee his player-coach.

And not only has McPhee praised the Terras’ faithful, he has lauded the current Weymouth squad as “one of the best” he has been a part of in non-League football.

Speaking to Echosport about the supporters and the club as a whole, he said: “A lot of fans recognised me when I came for my first pre-season training session.

“As time went on they really wanted to make my move happen and it’s fantastic that they pulled together to bring me back.

“It makes you feel wanted and very proud, and it makes you feel extra motivated to push the team forward.

“I need to repay the fans and Jason for showing faith in me, and it’s the same for the other players too.”

He went on to add: “The running of the club has changed and it seems to be a lot more organised than when I was here before.

“People are doing now what should have been done a long time ago.

“They are putting the club first and making sure it has got a future.

“One thing that hasn’t changed is the passion of the fans and how well they support the club.”

The former Salisbury City, Kidderminster Harriers and Torquay United playmaker has been hugely impressed by the players around him.

And he sees no reason why they can’t push for honours in the Southern Premier League this season.

“They are a new bunch of players but have gelled very quickly,” said. “They are a tight-knit group who get on really well.

“I’ve been playing non-League football for about six of the last seven years and the squad is one of the best I have been in.

“They’ve proved in pre-season they can play football, and play it the right way.

“We want to take that into the league and give it a really good go so we can be there or thereabouts at the end.

“I’ve had experience of promotions and I think we have got a legitimate shout at promotion this season.

“The belief in each other as a squad and as a management team is fantastic, and I see no reason why we can’t be near the top of the league if we keep everyone fit and focused.

“I’m part of making sure that happens and I won’t stop until we make a success of it.”