FORMER Weymouth midfielder Chris McPhee has been named as the new manager of Plymouth Parkway.

McPhee in two spells played 116 times for Weymouth, scoring 13 times, before his exit in the 2015/2016 season.

He comes in to replace Lee Hobbs, who in his superb seven-year tenure took the Bolitho Park club up three divisions to Step 3.

Lee Peacock, the former Manchester City, Sheffield Wednesday and Bristol City striker, will be McPhee’s assistant.

McPhee will operate one tier beneath the Terras, and will play against former rivals Dorchester Town in the Southern League Premier Division next season.

READ MORE: Gerard Benfield stays at Weymouth for 2024/25

Speaking to Parkway’s media team, McPhee said: “This is a fantastic opportunity, and now that it’s official, I can’t wait to get to work.

“This is a club I’m eager to elevate to the next level, and it’s imperative that we all share that ambition.”

Parkway chairman Gez Baggott is “extremely excited” about McPhee’s appointment.

He said: “Chris impressed us with his professionalism and vision he has in store for Plymouth Parkway.

“Chris and Lee have the experience of higher-level football, which will benefit this club in trying to reach the next level. We are extremely excited about this appointment and looking forward to the future.”

McPhee will hope he does not have to contend with Parkway’s pitch problems of the 2023/24 season.

Waterlogging at Bolitho Park throughout the campaign forced Parkway to play their final 12 matches in the space of 29 days.

The predicament nearly led to their downfall, as Parkway took only six points from their final nine fixtures on their way to 18th in the league.

It meant they only stayed up on goal difference, finishing level on 48 points with Beaconsfield who went down and Hanwell in 17th.

McPhee will link up with goalkeeper Adam Parkes, who hails from Weymouth, along with ex-Terras centre-back Toby Down.

Parkway also possess former Dorchester players Tom Purrington, Callum Rose and Cameron Sangster.