WEYMOUTH have retained the services of striker Brad Ash, sought-after centre-back Dan Matsuzaka and defender Harry Kyprianou for the 2022/23 season, pending FA and league approval.

Ash, 26, has agreed a one-year deal and will build on a first season in which he played 29 times, scoring four goals and claiming two assists.

Ash counts Barnsley and Chippenham among his former sides and could face the latter in the Vanarama National League South this season.

Speaking to the Terras' official website, Ash signalled his intention to give Weymouth fans a "season to remember".

READ MORE: Portland United v Weymouth - team news and match preview

He said: "I'm really happy to sign a new deal at the club, I can't wait for the season to begin and give the fans a season to remember!"

Dorset Echo: Brad Ash, left, has agreed to stay at Weymouth Picture: MARK PROBINBrad Ash, left, has agreed to stay at Weymouth Picture: MARK PROBIN

Weymouth manager David Oldfield highlighted the forward's "energy and goal threat" as major plus points for the deal.

He said: "As with the other returning lads, we are excited to be working with Brad again.

"He has the opportunity to run and score goals for Weymouth, which is what he has wanted to do again since the end of last season.

"His combination of energy and goal threat is something that will be a big asset to the club. Welcome back, Brad!"

Meanwhile, former Japan Under-19 international Matsuzaka is the first player in history with Japanese heritage to sign for the Terras, qualifying to play for the country through his father.

Dorset Echo: Dan Matsuzaka, left, has signed for WeymouthDan Matsuzaka, left, has signed for Weymouth

Oldfield has used his connections with former club Oxford City to land the 24-year-old, who had a string of clubs after his services.

Matsuzaka counts Southend and fellow Vanarama National League South club Braintree, plus Sutton United and Japanese J3 League's Kataller Toyama among his former sides.

Matsuzaka played 23 times for City in all, scoring three times.

Oldfield said: "We are delighted to welcome Dan to the club.

"A player with commitment and a desire to defend, he joins a growing group who are working hard in pre-season.

"Dan demonstrates the character and quality that can help us move us forward as a club. Welcome to Weymouth FC!"

Weymouth's third signing of the day, Kyprianou, is good friends with Matsuzaka, the pair having lived together while at Southend.

Dorset Echo: Harry Kyprianou, right, has joined Weymouth from Oxford City Harry Kyprianou, right, has joined Weymouth from Oxford City

Kyprianou, 25, also joins from Oxford City where he made 21 appearances in the National League South last season.

However, the Cypriot underwent Achilles surgery in November 2018 that kept him out for eight months, capping a difficult period with injury at the Shrimpers.

Kyprianou has youth experience with Watford and Cyprus Under-21s, and went on loan to Bromley from Southend in October 2020.

Oldfield said: "Harry is another player we are delighted to welcome to the club.

"One who both Tom Donati and I have known from the past and we look forward to meeting again.

"Harry can help balance the squad and will be an important member both on and off the pitch. Welcome to Weymouth, Harry!"

Seddon, 19, was like Nippard released by Bournemouth this summer, having been a third-year scholar.

Dorset Echo: Jack Seddon, left Picture: IAN MIDDLEBROOKJack Seddon, left Picture: IAN MIDDLEBROOK

He spent much of the early part of 2022 on loan at Poole, making 13 appearances for the Dolphins on his way to winning the Dorset Senior Cup.

The teenage defender was also voted AFC Bournemouth's Premier League Scholar of the Year last August.

On his tenth summer signing, Oldfield said: "Jack is another young player that we love to welcome to the football club. 

"Another player who is from Dorset and works hard to be the best he can be. 

"We want to give him a platform to flourish as a player and to help reach both his and the club's potential."

The quartet take Weymouth's tally to ten signings for next season after Cameron Murray, Luke Nippard, Tom Blair, Tom Bearwish, Ahkeem Rose and Xander McBurnie.

Weymouth visit Portland United tomorrow in their first pre-season friendly of the summer (3pm).