JASON Matthews confirmed that midfielder Mark Molesley has agreed a fresh one-year contract and will also become a player-coach at the Bob Lucas Stadium next season.

The former AFC Bournemouth man, who arrived at the club in July 2015, made 25 league appearances for Weymouth last term.

Molesley’s retention comes as a big boost to the Terras’ boss, who has lost a number of experienced heads in his squad from the beginning of last season, with the departures of Tim Sills and Chris McPhee, as well as the retirement of centre-half Pat Baldwin.

And the Terras’ chief insists the 35-year-old, who played in the Football League for Exeter, Plymouth and Aldershot as well as the Cherries, will benefit the group both on and off the field next term.

Speaking about Molesley, Matthews told Echosport: “I think that he brings a lot to the table and does things that people don’t see. He is very knowledgeable and has a lot of brilliant ideas. I also still feel he has something to offer as a player as well.

“It shows the sort of calibre of person he is, he has taken a (wage) cut to cut his teeth in coaching and that’s a credit to Mark. I am really chuffed to have him on board.”

Asked whether Molesley will be more involved on the playing or coaching side of the setup, Matthews replied: “It’s a dual role, like mine.

“You need to get the balance right and I am sure with Mark he will. We will be doing as much as we can to help him so that he gets his training in as well.

“He came on strong in our last five or six games (last season) and I think we saw the real Mark Molesley. Hopefully, if we can get him on the pitch for pre-season, I feel he has a lot to offer us.

“I am really pleased to have him with his links with Bournemouth as well. For me that’s also a massive plus.”