ANDY Harris is to hang his boots up after a 16-year Football career that has seen him become one of the most admired Weymouth players of recent times.

The South African-born Liverpudlian may have played just two seasons for the Terras but he has earned a rapport with the fans that few manage with any supporters in such a short space of time.

Scoring the equalising goal against double European champions Nottingham Forest during Weymouth’s 2005/06 Conference South winning campaign went a long way to creating his reputation by the seaside, as did taking over the caretaker-manager’s role towards the end of a turbulent season last year.

“I wouldn’t want to sign under false pretences,” said Harris. “My heart and soul would have to be in it.

“I have a lot of other considerations and it wouldn’t be fair for me to go in half-heartedly so my decision at this minute in time is that’s it for me playing the game.

“At the end of the season before last I considered it but the lure of going back to Weymouth for one last season was too great.

“I’ve got three children, a full-time job coaching and my kids are at that age in their life where I want to be spending time with them and the only time I get for that is weekends, which is football time.

“I sat down and made a list of pros and cons. At this moment in time, the cons far outweigh the pros.”

Although Harris has been at Liverpool, Southend United and Leyton Orient among others, it was Weymouth where he decided to settle with his family.

“I moved my whole family down from Liverpool to Weymouth and the attraction of the whole town is there for everybody to see,” he said. “We also had a successful season and I made some great friends.

“There was also a real feel-good atmosphere with winning the league and scoring in the FA Cup against Nottingham Forest, which endeared me to the supporters.

“We got promotion to the Conference so I decided to stay down and went to play for Eastleigh for three years but remained in Weymouth.

“I didn’t particularly want to leave Weymouth but it was the right thing to do at the time.

“I feel like I have a lot of affinity to Weymouth – the people, the club, the supporters and the history. What’s not to like about it?

“I know there were hard times last season but that’s made people’s resolve even stronger for the club to do well and it’s time for it to move on.”

Towards the end of that turbulent spell, Harris took over as caretaker-manager and received great praise for guiding a group of unknown youngsters to a memorable 0-0 draw with Thurrock and a 1-0 defeat of Hampton & Richmond.

Although Harris was roundly praised by board members, players and returning manager Ian Hutchinson for his part in restoring some pride to the Terras, the 33-year-old believes it may be beneficial to both himself and the club that he moves on.

“The club is in a transitional period so it might be best to be out with the old and in with the new,” he said. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at Weymouth.

“I’m friends with a lot of people – including Hutch and Mase, we speak all the time – and I will certainly be supporting the club and taking the kids to watch the games.

“You should also never say never in football.

“I wish Hutch and Mase all the best in putting together a side capable of doing well in the Zamaretto Premier.”

n Ian Hutchinson and Andy Mason are going to lead a series of coaching sessions during the summer that gives children aged between five and 11 the chance to earn themselves a free season ticket.

Places are limited to 50 children for the summer soccer school, being held from Monday, August 2, to Friday, August 6 (10am until 3pm).

Costs are £12.50 per day, or £50 for the week (including a free season ticket) – sign up via theterras.co.uk n A car park season ticket – priced at £40 – has been introduced for the coming campaign to help fans save on the £2 per match charge.

This can be purchased from the club by sending a cheque made payable to Weymouth Football Club, Radipole Lane, Weymouth DT4 9XJ.