WEYMOUTH are almost certain set to step down from the Dorset Premier League at the end of the season in a bid to re-build for the future.

The Seasiders, who take on Wimborne & Colehill in the top flight this afternoon, have been hit by the unavailability of some of their stalwart names this term and held an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) at Redlands last night to discuss their options both on and off the field.

Chairman John Ryan told Echosport that it was important for the club to be pragmatic in a bid to find its current level and allow Weymouth’s youth section to flourish.

He also indicated that the Dorset Cricket League are aware of Weymouth's current situation.

He said: “We just had to be realistic for our future.

“We cannot survive with the quality of players that are available to us on a regular basis to play in the Premier League.

“That was the stone cold fact that was put forward and it was basically nodded in agreement.

“We cannot look to the future to help bring our youngsters through at this level because they just aren’t up to it at this time.

“We basically agreed that once relegation virtually happens this year, the big thing is to reconvene at the club’s AGM which will be held quite early, to see whether we ask to go down a couple of leagues, which has happened with teams in the past.

“It would be a lot more helpful, if by chance, we are in Division Two and Division Three next year. The two teams will be close together and changing between the teams won’t be such a burden on our youngsters.”

The chairman also confirmed that Weymouth are set to remain with two sides on a Saturday in the future, after earlier fears that they would be unable to find the players to cope with the demands.

A possible move away from Redlands also came up on the agenda at the EGM, with the club developing a plan to source other possible home venues for the Seasiders to feature at.

Ryan added: “With the continuation of three teams next year with two Saturday sides and one Sunday side, we would be looking for a possible ground share for some of the teams.

“In the short term we will always have one or two teams continuing at Redlands but we want to start looking at maybe taking some of the Saturday second team games or Sunday games to another ground.

“A feasibility team will be going away to enquire at other sports clubs and other grounds to see if they would entertain the idea.

“That is in the short term. Long term, our ideal aim is to find our own home somewhere.

“A separate task force is being set up to look for a possible move away from Redlands for the club in the long term.”