Grubb leaves Terras (From Dorset Echo)

Grubb leaves Terras

11:19pm Friday 31st July 2009 in Club News By Adam Summers

WINGER Dean Grubb has had his contract at Weymouth cancelled by mutual consent.

The 21-year-old’s shock exit comes after several impressive performances throughout pre-season and just a week before the start of the club’s Blue Square South campaign.

Terras’ boss Matty Hale said: “To be honest I had to persuade Dean to come here as initially he was thinking about packing football in. You see he had a bit of a bad time at Weston-super-Mare and was planning to give it a miss for a season.

“Since coming to Weymouth he has performed superbly but unfortunately he has been finding it difficult to get away from work to get here for training.

“Due to that he has not been able to be fully committed, which is a big shame as he is a great talent.

“He just needs a break really and I was hoping Weymouth would be the place to give him that but it looks like it is just too far for him to travel.

“It is a blow for us because he is a good player but on the other hand we cannot have some around that cannot commit 100 per cent to what we are trying to achieve.

“There has been no falling out and he is a great lad, and the decision that has been made is in the best interests of both parties.”

When asked about his plans to replace Grubb, Hale added: “From what I have seen of Matt Groves, he could comfortably fill that spot down the right. And with Jordan Rose and Matt Townley, and Jordan Vincent coming through I am happy with the strength and depth we have down that side.

“We also have Carl Preston, who is a very similar player to Grubby, but plays on the left so depending on the result of the scan on Hector Mackie’s knee next week, we may look to use the money to bring in another central midfielder instead.”

The Terras brought the curtain down on their pre-season campaign with a 2-2 draw at Paulton Rovers last night. The hosts held a two-goal advantage at the break before a brace from Scott Brice drew the game level.

Hale said: “The first half performance was unacceptable to be honest. We failed to carry on the good things we did on Wednesday night against Exeter and at half-time I was very disappointed.

“However, after a good talking to and a few changes in personnel we then came out in the second half and bossed it. We made a lot of chances and deserved the draw even though the equaliser did not come until very late on.

“We hit the bar and a post, and Danny Bennett missed an open goal but overall I was pleased with the reaction after what was a disappointing first half.”

Andy Harris and Martin Slocombe both made welcome returns for the Terras but Dean Smith is still sidelined. Hale added: “Martin played 90 minutes and felt okay afterwards as did Andy who played 70, so they should be okay for our opening league game at Lewes next Saturday.

“Unfortunately, Dean Smith is still not fit but he will also feature against Lewes should he recover in time.

“As for Joe Arnold, the forward we were hoping to have a look at last night, he could not make it and is struggling due to travel arrangements at the moment. However, he remains a target and I will be talking with him again over the weekend.”