PLAYER-COACH Chris McPhee could be ruled out of the start of the Terras’ campaign, according to boss Jason Matthews.

The midfielder suffered a hand injury in Weymouth’s opening pre-season friendly at Bridport. After getting the problem examined earlier this week the 32-year-old, who Matthews says has agreed terms with the club and is set to sign a new deal, has been sidelined for around another three weeks.

If that proves to be the case, McPhee would only be cleared to return days before Weymouth travel to Cambridge City for their season opener on Saturday, August 8, as the Evo-Stik Southern Premier Division’s fixtures were announced yesterday.

Commenting on the situation, player-manager Matthews told Echosport: “Luckily he doesn’t need an operation but he can’t do anything for around three weeks.

“It’s a blow because it takes us to just before the start of the season.

“It probably makes us one forward-minded player light for the start of the season but we are actively looking, which we have been all pre-season.

“Who knows with Chris though. He has been known to make miraculous recoveries before so I am not ruling him out, but it is not ideal.

“A couple of trialists are going to come in over the next week or so, we will look at them and take it from there.”

One key man set to come back for the club’s pre-season 125th anniversary tournament tomorrow is new midfielder Mark Molesley, who is in line to make his first appearance in a Terras’ shirt in the event.

“I am really looking forward to seeing Mark play and his experience will be invaluable,” Matthews told Echosport.

“This year is about kicking on and I feel that Mark can be a big part of that.

“I feel that Dean Evans is having a great pre-season so far, as is George Rigg and Billy Lowes so there is massive competition in the middle of midfield.”

  • Matthews also revealed that former Dorchester defender Craig Michie has joined the Terras’ reserves.