WEYMOUTH have signed winger Chris Shephard on a one-year deal.

The former Exeter City youngster joins the Terras having plied his trade with Eastbourne Borough in the Skrill South last term, and will go straight into manager Jason Matthews’ squad for their pre-season opener against a Royal Marines Representative XI tomorrow (7.45pm).

The Marines side will include former Terras Ryan McKechnie and Richard Marshallsay.

On the capture of his new recruit, Terras’ boss Matthews told Echosport: “I am absolutely buzzing to get him in. He is someone I have chased since April and to have him on board is great news.

“He is a player I believe has a great future in the game and I think that we are very lucky to get him. He had a few offers from higher league clubs but he obviously believes Wey-mouth is a big club and he has bought in to what we are trying to achieve this season.

“There were times where I didn’t think that we would get him but I stuck to the task and we are delighted.

“The fans will like him and he gives us something that we haven’t had for a while, he is a tricky winger and he has pace, he is a good dead ball specialist as well.”

The midfielder made his debut for the Grecians in October 2008 when he came on as a late substitute against Grimsby in a 0-0 draw at St James’ Park.

Shephard also follows in the footsteps of new team-mates Jamie Laird and Tim Sills, who have both arrived at the Bob Lucas Stadium from clubs in the league above.

Player-manager Matthews believes he has room for one more player to add to his squad this summer, and although he has brought in some big names, he expects his newly assembled group to live up to their expectation.

“It is nice that we can attract these players but it doesn’t get away from the fact that we have to produce,” he added.

“By signing these players there is expectation that comes with it, we are striving hard with what we want to achieve on the training pitch and at the moment it’s going well.

“I would like maybe one more signing and to bring in an assistant manager before the start of the season and that should be us done.”

Elsewhere, Terras’ fan Ian White is resurrecting the Wessex Fantasy League this season in an attempt to add to Matthews’ playing budget, and the manager took the time to show his gratitude.

He said: “I would like to thank Ian for all his hard work in getting it set up because it is massive for my budget and it helps us bring some great players in.”

Admission prices for tomorrow’s game are: Adults £5, concessions £3 and children free. All Armed Forces personnel will also gain free entry.