JASON Matthews is keen on bringing Ed Palmer and Chris McPhee back to the Terras.

However, the Weymouth boss knows that securing deals for the duo will ultimately come down to whether the funds are available.

Centre-back Palmer and midfielder McPhee, both favourites at the Bob Lucas Stadium when they were with the club previously, would be welcome additions to Matthews’ squad.

The two men impressed in the Terras’ friendly against a visiting Royal Marines XI tonight, with McPhee and Stewart Yetton scoring for the hosts in a 2-2 draw.

Other trialists Jamie West, Jordan Copp and Warren Boyt also appeared for Matthews’ side, while new signings Shane Krac, Chris Shephard and Jamie Laird featured as well.

But it was the presence of Palmer and McPhee in the Weymouth starting line-up that had the home fans talking and after the match Matthews explained their situation.

“Chris has got an affinity with this club and I would love to have him on board,” he said.

“He has come in on trial but whether we will be able to keep him here boils down to finances.

“I have a strict budget to stick to so we’ll have to sit down, have a chat with Chris, and see where we are going.

“Ed has come in and done very well. He has admitted he is lacking a bit of fitness but he is desperate to earn himself a contract with Weymouth.”

He added: “I know what I’ve got left in my budget and I’ve got to use that as best as I can.

“I’ll have a look at things again this week and our first game has given me food for thought.”

Tim Sills, another of Matthews’ summer signings, missed toight’s game through illness, as did Conor Jevon, and the Terras are likely to have a similar squad for Saturday's home encounter with Guernsey (3pm).

Terras: Matthews (Boyt 82), West (Poole 63), Copp, Krac, Palmer (Wells 63), McPhee, Kelly, Colwell (Rigg 46), Yetton, Ford (Laird 46), Shephard