Weymouth FC give update on playing squad - January 2024

The Terras have already completed two of the eight scheduled games this month, although their Dorset Senior Cup match with Wimborne Town was postponed due to a frozen pitch.

Bobby Wilkinson had concerns over the fitness of Joel Rollinson (calf), Ben Thomson (hamstring) and Keelan O’Connell, but the attacking trio are now back in contention.

Thomson is the furthest behind of the three, with an expected return date laid out for next week. That could allow him to be selected for the Braintree Town midweek trek and St Albans at home.

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Addressing Rollinson, who has only played one minute since the 1-1 draw with Dover three weeks ago, Wilkinson said: “He had a niggle a couple of weeks ago and then we didn’t take a gamble last week with him.

“He had a slight problem with his calf but he’s absolutely fine. He’ll be training and Ben Thomson’s back next week.

“They’ve had a few niggles and Keels is back now, so he could be back in the squad this week as well. There’s some hungry competition out there at the moment.”

Wilkinson is also persisting in his attempts to find former Rochdale forward Moe Shubbar a loan deal at a Step 3 club near to his base in the South East.

Moe Shubbar is training individually away from Weymouth's squad (Image: MARK PROBIN)

The Swede, who is currently training individually and not involved with the Terras’ group sessions, has only played five times for Weymouth this season and last featured in the matchday 16 two months ago.

Wilkinson added: “I’m trying to get him loans, but nothing’s really paid off. At this precise moment, he’s just working hard up where he lives.

“We don’t bring him in to training at the moment. We’re just continuing to monitor that.”

And there is work going on behind the scenes to harness the potential in young goalkeeper Harry Dillon.

The ex-Dorchester custodian began the season as number two choice behind Gerard Benfield but has seen his chances limited.

Harry Dillon has not featured for Weymouth's first team despite starting the season as second choice (Image: MARK PROBIN)

Jared Thompson, Hugo Fisher and Callum Smalley have all featured for Weymouth’s first-team ahead of the stopper.

Dillon has instead been with Wessex League Premier side Christchurch and still features in first-team training at Weymouth’s base in Stoneham, just outside of Eastleigh.

On Dillon, who has started eight games for Christchurch this season, Wilkinson added: “Harry has been at every training session, he’s been first-class and working extremely hard.

“He’s come under my wing and we’re trying to make him better for the future.

“He’s been a big credit to work with, Harry. We got him out at Christchurch and I got him a couple of games up (Reading) way. I’m helping him develop into men’s football.

“That’s been going really well but we’ve done it quite quietly because we want him to keep enjoying his journey, he’s such a young lad.”

With competition extremely high for places up front, on the wings and in central defence, one area Weymouth need reinforcements in is midfield.

The likes of Max Hemmings, Josh McQuoid, Harvey Slade and Scott Rees have all come and gone through either injury or moves away from the Terras this season.

Wilkinson has signed Olu Durojaiye, Elliott Bolton and Ben Winterburn to add extra options in the engine room, while Charlie Rowan has also played in front of the back four on occasions.

Keen to introduce a playmaker to his catalogue of players, Wilkinson has so far been frustrated in his efforts to procure one.

“I’ve been working extremely hard this week to bring that creative central midfielder in like a Max Hemmings or Josh McQuoid,” he admitted.

“Even though our midfielders have been doing well, I’ve still been looking for that certain player.

“This week we’ve had no luck. I nearly got another one over the line but location killed me again. I am in talks with one that hopefully might come off.

“It’s been difficult but I’ll continue to work to find one.”

Meanwhile, Weymouth have strikers Tom Stagg and Nahum Melvin-Lambert, centre-back Anthony Cheshire and winger Frankie Monk out on loan deals.

Goalkeeper Jared Thompson could come back into the fray if needed but is pressing on with his work coaching at Premier League club Chelsea.

And Weymouth are in the process of confirming loan extensions for Joe Cook and Harry Parsons, although the club is waiting on the green light for both.

Alfie Rutherford is expected to return to Dorking Wanderers after his 28-day spell ends. The striker has recorded one assist in four starts.