THE board of Weymouth Football Club have issued a statement clarifying the reasons for the shock withdrawal of the Terras' reserve side from Sydenhams Wessex League Division One.

The club says it will be placing a greater emphasis on working with its youth section to open up a clearer and more strategic pathway from the youth set-up to the first team.

It will also be looking to raise the club's profile in the community and build relationships with communities and local business to move the club forward.

The full statement reads:

"Following the announcement that the club has resigned from the Sydenham Wessex League earlier this week we would like to explain in more depth the reasons behind this action and what the consequences will be going forward.

"The club had to confirm its entrance to the Wessex League by the 31st March 2017 and at the time seemed the most logical thing to do was to continue membership since it had successfully promoted several players into the 1st team squad.

"During the summer break it became apparent that the Reserves were going to find it extremely hard to compete against other clubs locally who had greater financial resources to spend on local players and in addition they could offer a higher level of football.

"Despite the valiant efforts of those involved with the reserves, it was becoming harder to retain players.

"On several occasions in recent weeks players were lured away from the reserves and they were unable to attract suitable replacements. This left us with a much-depleted squad.

As a result, a new infrastructure will be put in place and rolled out over the coming months.

"A greater emphasis will be placed on working with our Youth Section to open up a clearer and more strategic pathway from the Youth set up to the 1st team.

"The club will be looking to raise our profile in the community and build relationships with communities and local business to move the club forward.

"We would therefore ask supporters to be patient while these plans are put into place and the new model is refined before making them public. Please be assured that all the decisions currently being made will benefit the club and its longer-term future.

"Thank you for your continued support."