NEWLY-appointed Weymouth boss Jerry Gill is adamant the Terras can claw their way to Blue Square South survival.

The former Birmingham City defender was yesterday unveiled as the Terras’ new manager – 10 days after Ian Hutchinson was relieved of his duties following a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Chelmsford City.

The 39-year-old, taking up his first managerial role, joins the Wessex Stadium outfit from Blue Square North side Redditch United, whom he moved to in a playing capacity last September.

The right-back, who will be assisted by Andy Harris, includes Yeovil Town, Northampton Town and Cheltenham Town among his former clubs.

And Gill, a former assistant-manager at Forest Green Rovers, is confident he can help lead the Terras to safety. He told Echosport: “I’m absolutely buzzing and I’d like to thank the chairman George Rolls and Gary Calder for giving me the opportunity.

“It’s a huge job and the short-term aim is to keep the club in the league. I wouldn’t have taken the job if I didn’t believe we could do it.

“I believe I’ve got good man-management skills and hopefully that will help get the best out of the players.

“I came down to Weymouth with Forest Green Rovers last season and although it’s somewhat of a cliché, the club really is a sleeping giant.

“The club has a great fan-base and I want to bring back the good days. As a player I was 100 per cent committed and that’s the minimum requirement.”

The new man at the helm also revealed that he is already eyeing potential transfer targets.

Gill, who was previously interviewed by George Rolls for the man-ager’s job at Cambridge United last summer, added: “I’m putting calls into contacts I’ve got as we need help. George has said that funds are available but I do want to give the current players a chance. Once I’ve seen them in training tonight and in Saturday’s game with Lewes I’ll have a better idea.”

Meanwhile, Terras’ owner Rolls believes Gill, who has signed a 15-month contract, will prove to be a “great acquisition”.

He said: “I’m very pleased with the appointment as Jerry’s been a pro at every level. He used to play at the likes of Leyton Orient, Yeovil, Birming-ham, Northampton and Cheltenham in the Football League and has appeared for Bath City and Forest Green Rovers in the non-League, so he knows the non-League scene well.

“He’s well thought of in the game and his coaching ability is superb. In fact he’s involved in the youth set-up at Birmingham so he comes with the pedigree we’re after.

“He’s at a good age, and he’s very hungry to do well and help keep Weymouth in Blue Square South.

“He’s ready for the next step, he needed a chance and I believe he’s a great acquisition for the club.

“The contract he’s signed does provide stability but football is all about results. It’s a hard task keeping this team in the Blue Square South but I’m confident Jerry can achieve it.”

Rolls confirmed that Gill will have funds with which to operate. He added: “The situation is no different to when Ian was in charge. There’s money available for the right players and Jerry will be able to bring players in.

“Jerry understands the budget we are working to and gone are the days of Weymouth FC signing players for silly money.”