FORMER Sheffield Wednes-day keeper Stuart Jones' switch to Weymouth has been put on ice.

The highly-rated 26-year-old gloveman was being lined up by the Terras after leaving Weston-super-Mare last month.

But player-boss Steve Claridge revealed his move for Jones, whose grandparents live in Wyke Regis, has been put on hold because the stopper wants to resurrect his professional Football League career.

Claridge said: "Stuart is a very good goalkeeper who has a lot of Football League experience having played for Sheffield Wednesday, Crewe Alexandra and Torquay United.

"I've been looking to boost our squad with another goalkeeper for quite a while now because although Jason Matthews has been in good form, it's important we have some serious competition in every position.

"Stuart would have been an ideal signing because he has a solid all-round game and would have brought the best out in Jason.

"We held talks with him which were very encouraging and the indications were that Stuart was keen to join us.

"But he understandably wants to try and get back into the full time game and will try to earn a contract somewhere in the next few weeks."

Claridge said Paul Payne would remain Weymouth's number two keeper during his side's Dr Martens Premier Division championship chase.

But the manager hinted he could make another move for Jones in the summer.

"Stuart has been up at Chester for a few days and there's also talk of him going to Brighton for a while to help them out.

"But whatever happens, I've said to him that should he want to join us the door is open to him here.

"Obviously we haven't got stacks of cash to spend and we'd have to be sensible about a deal. But it may be a case with Stuart that we sit down in the summer and review the situation again.

"Until then we've got Paul Payne as number two who is a more than capable replacement for Jason Matthews should the need arise," he said.

Claridge revealed defender Graeme Power has signed a deal to stay with Weymouth for the rest of the season, while wingback Luke Nightingale will stay at the Wessex Stadium until May 2005.

"Graeme has signed a contract with us until the end of this season which I'm pleased about," he said.

"He is a solid defender who I'm sure will have a part to play in our run-in.

"Luke has got stronger as the season has gone on and scored some crucial goals for us. It's important we keep a settled squad."

The Terras Supporters' Club is running a coach to Saturday's game at Cambridge City.

Places are now limited but anyone wishing to travel should contact Ian White asap on 01305 837465 or 07870774174 to book their seat.

Cost of the journey is £14 members and £16 for non-members.

last night's results

Sydenhams Wessex Combination Cup Quarter-final: Bashley Res P AFC Newbury Res P.

Sydenhams Wessex Combination League: BAT Res 0 Weymouth Res 2, Christchurch Res 0 Winchester Res 4, Cowes Sports Res 4 Horndean Res 0, Lymington Res P Bournemouth Res P, Brockenhurst Res P Gosport Res P. Two Counties Challenge Cup: Wimborne T 2 Dorchester T 0.