Ben Thomson set for Weymouth return after Salisbury exit

Thomson was this afternoon released from his contract with Salisbury, managed by ex-Terras star Brian Dutton.

Weymouth are understood to be waiting for paperwork and FA approval for the move.

Speaking to Echosport, acting CEO Paul Maitland insisted bringing Thomson back is not a vanity project for the Terras.

He said: "Having spoken to Ben after he left in the summer, and over the last couple of days, he never wanted to leave.

"He felt he had unfinished business at the club. Having missed quite a lot of last season through injury, he wanted the chance to help the club this season.

"Unfortunately because of circumstances at the time, he left. He obviously joined Salisbury with a lot of former Weymouth players.

"He's done quite well there but not featured a huge amount since the change of manager, which was what started to alert us that he wasn't going to be first choice.

"I had a conversation with Brian last Friday and asked him what the situation was.

"He confirmed that they would be happy to release Ben if he wanted to rejoin Weymouth, and gave us permission to speak with Ben.

"I spoke to Ben at the back end of the weekend. Bobby (Wilkinson, boss) spoke about the pros and cons of bringing back Ben.

"We want to be very clear, this is not a PR stunt or winning fans over because of what he means to them.

"We believe he still has a huge amount to offer, particularly in the situation we're in.

"He's a real grafter, a real worker. He puts himself about. He's a centre-half's nightmare. 

"He'll allow us to get up the pitch a bit more, stay up the pitch and stop the ball from coming back quite so quickly.

"That's not a criticism of players we have, but he's very different to anything else we've got. 

"The traditional target man is one that's dying out but we felt it's one we felt we badly needed.

"He does contribute with a lot of assists and secondary assists. He will galvanise the place, there's no doubt about that.

"The majority of fans will be over the moon to see him back.

"There's been times in the past where his performance has almost carried the team over the line on his own, and certainly lifted the ground.

"That's going to be important, to have somebody that fans trust will be giving everything.

"We need one or two more experienced players like Ben, like Scott Rees, to have an effect on what is quite a young group.

"Some may say it's a gamble, but it's definitely worth taking and one that will benefit the football club."

A short statement by the Whites confirmed Thomson is closing in on a Weymouth return.

Ben Thomson appears to be heading back to Weymouth (Image: SALISBURY FC)

It read: "Salisbury FC today agreed to the cancellation of Ben Thomson's contract which will enable him to return to Weymouth FC.

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"Salisbury FC would like to thank Ben for his time with the club and we wish him well for the future."

Thomson has just one league goal for Salisbury to his name this season - the winner in a 1-0 victory against Beaconsfield on the opening day of the Pitching In Southern League Premier South season.

Thomson left Weymouth this summer after failing to agree a stay with the Terras.

It brought to an end his glittering 255-game stint with Weymouth, having scored 66 goals and registered 47 assists.

Thomson could be available for selection this weekend at Welling.