JOHN Ryan admitted he did not think he would be playing for the Seasiders’ first team again, but is eager to do his bit to help the side out.

The club chairman, who actually announced his retirement from playing last September, was drafted in for the derby defeat at Dorchester, as well as featuring for the club’s second team earlier in the campaign.

Ryan, who is set to keep his place in the first XI when Broadstone visit Redlands tomorrow (1pm), even told Echosport that after the final game of last season he had given away his kit so he could not perform this year.

But the chairman is eager to ensure the Seasiders fill their sides before they welcome back some key faces in the coming weeks.

“I thought I might end up possibly sitting in the second team, maybe because of call-ups to the first team,” he told Echosport.

“But what we don’t want to do is expose our youngsters to too much of the higher standard too early. So someone like me, who is quite happy to have a couple of overs, bat at 11 and stand at gully, is not too worried.

“We look around and there are two or three in the side just to help the club out. We know we are holding down a position for someone who is not available at the moment.

“When they are available we will take our rightful places either back in the seconds or back in the deckchair in my case.

“It’s not what I wanted but in the short term, while we are waiting for people to come back from university and injury, it makes sense. I’d like to think in June we will settle down into a better side.”

Weymouth’s Michael Irrgang, who passed 50 with the bat last week, is set to be unavailable tomorrow, as is Hayden White.

However, Will McKay is set to come back into the fold.

Ryan added: “It is indicative of availability I’m afraid. Bridport have pulled out of the league and Portland Seconds scratched last week, that’s not heard of either.

“By hook or by crook we will try and get sides out but it’s happening around the county.”

Visitors Broadstone currently occupy second position in the Dorset Premier League with two wins coming from their opening three outings.

Kieron Womble’s Seasiders sit bottom of the standings at present, though a win for them and other results going their way could see Weymouth leapfrog rivals Dorchester.

Elsewhere, Weymouth Seconds are set to travel to Sturminster Marshall in County Division Three.