IAN Hutchinson is confident the Terras are heading in the right direction under the stewardship of chairman Nigel Biddlecombe and manager Brendon King.

The fans’ favourite, whose testimonial takes place this afternoon at the Bob Lucas Stadium (3pm), has had a front-row seat for many of the club’s highs and lows over the past 17 years and he is confident that good times lie ahead.

Hutchinson, who made over 550 appearances for Weymouth as a player and has had two spells as manager, told Echosport: “The current set up is just what Weymouth needs to get the community back on side.

“It has a local board that has the club at heart and a local manager that has a bright future in the game.

“Together they are doing all the right things to get the club moving up again and if the team can push on this year, I am sure people will start coming back through the turnstiles again.”

The testimonial will see Weymouth lock horns with Dorchester Town for the Bob Lucas Trophy.

Hutchinson added: “This testimonial has come as a big surprise and I would like to thank both clubs for making it happen.

“I really appreciate it and with it being the Bob Lucas Trophy as well, it is a huge honour.

“Bob was the heart and soul of Weymouth and someone I had huge respect for so I would also like to thank his wife Jean as it is a big day for her as well.

“All my family are coming down and my son Harry and my niece and nephew, Max and Olivia, are going to lead me out on to the pitch, which is going to be fantastic.

“It’s just unfortunate that my Dad, the biggest influence on my career, cannot be there as well. He passed away back in 2006 and I will be thinking about him all the way.”

The 39-year-old Teessider went on to say: “Obviously it is the business end of pre-season now and both managers are in the process of preparing their teams for the start of the campaign so it is a serious game that promises to be a great spectacle.

“Hopefully, I will get to play a part at the end and although I am sure to be a bit nervous I am also very much looking forward to it.”

Admission to today’s game is £8 for adults, £5 for concessions and £1 for children.