ALEX Jeannin has been released by Weymouth as Brendon King looks to stick within his budget.

The French defender has been deemed surplus to requirements following the addition of Ed Palmer, who has been a regular starter since his return to the club a month ago.

King told Echosport: “Releasing a player is never nice but unfortunately it is part and parcel of football.

“I have been given a budget to stick to and after bringing Ed in, I had to let someone go.

“It was a tough decision but I just felt we had enough cover in that particular area.”

The Terras entertain Shortwood United in the second qualifying round of the FA Trophy tomorrow (3pm) when they will look to continue the momentum of recent league victories against Banbury United and Hitchin Town.

King added: “Shortwood may be in the league below but they will come here tomorrow with nothing to lose so it is important we get the lads in the right mindset and give them the respect they deserve.

“We have had them watched and are taking no chances because not only it is a big game for them but it is a big one for us too.

“We have built up a bit of confidence now and it is important we try and keep that going.

“The aim is to put the second-half performances against Banbury and Hitchin together for 90 minutes and if we start doing that we will become a real force.”

The Terras’ last seven home games have witnessed a staggering 30 goals but this weekend King would clearly settle for a lot less drama.

He said: “After last Saturday’s 3-2 victory over Hitchin, it would be nice if tomorrow was a little less nerve-racking that is for sure.

“We have had a few games like that this season and we have certainly been giving value for money at home with plenty of goals.

“We want to entertain and that is something we don’t want to change but it would be nice to have a few solid one or two-nil wins too.

“Hopefully we can start strong tomorrow and do exactly that.”

Danny Clay will return for Weymouth this weekend following a one-game suspension, while Ashley Wells will continue his recuperation with the reserves.

King said: “Ashley was a bit sore after his half with the reserves last weekend so it is just a case of building him back up slowly.

“He was out for quite a while and it is going to take time before he is back to full match fitness.”

The Terras are also in action at home next Tuesday night when they entertain Hamworthy Recreation in the second round of the Dorset Senior Cup (7.45pm).

Terras (from): Evans, Povall, Perry, Palmer, Poole, Critchell, McConnell, Dixon, Clarke, Clay, Reed, Duff, Walker, Smith, Groves, Joyce, Ford.