RETURNING manager Ian Hutchinson and current caretaker player-boss Andy Harris both believe that there is a good platform of players to work from at Weymouth for next season.

Hutchinson and assistant Andy Mason were given a standing ovation by the Wessex Stadium’s 501 crowd as they were welcomed back to the club after signing two-year contracts.

They could not have hoped for a better return as they watched Weymouth overcome Hampton & Richmond from the directors’ box, which was Harris’ first victory in charge of the Terras and the man in the dugout was delighted.

The South African-born Liverpudlian said: “We have made strides in recent weeks and Hampton & Richmond are no mugs, they’ve had three good wins on the bounce and we’ve more than matched them.

“We created opportunities which was really pleasing and we were even able to afford a couple of missed chances.

“I’m delighted. We defended well, created some good opportunities and worked hard.”

Harris believes up to half a dozen experienced players are needed to supplement the club’s youngsters.

He said: “Hopefully the majority of those players will be there next year and they deserve to be given a shot.

“I know there’s no sentiment in Football but you have got to see how much it means to those lads because they are willing to run for 95 minutes for Weymouth Football Club.

“The endeavour that they have shown and the will to work hard needs to be recognised.”

And Hutchinson, who will take over the reins after Weymouth’s final match of the season at Woking next week, was certainly impressed with what he saw.

“It was fantastic to get a victory in the last home game of the season which I felt they thoroughly deserved through sheer fight, spirit and endeavour,” he said.

“I think Andy Harris deserves a special mention for the way he has kept going with them and kept them at it – I take my hat off to him.

“It was good to be at the ground. I went in the dressing room before the game to shake all their hands and have a chat with them.

“It was a fantastic way for them to go out in the last home game of the season and for the supporters as well who have been there through thick and thin with them.

“To give them something to cheer about was nice to see.”

He added: “Some young lads have risen to it so there’s a lot there to work with. We’re not going to make wholesale changes.

“There’s a lot of time between now and pre-season so there will be some new faces coming in and probably a few going out but it’s time to digest it now and all my hard work begins now in getting the squad prepared for the start of pre-season.”

Hutchinson, who became popular with Weymouth fans during a 550-match playing career with the Terras and a short-lived management spell, was also presented to supporters before the match, along with Mason.

“It was slightly embarrassing but I’m flattered,” said next season’s manager. “They are lovely people here and I’ve got to know them over the years.

“But I’m not daft, it’s a fickle game and you live and die by your results and we’ll be giving our all for next season to get this club back on track.”