NIGEL Biddlecombe is the new owner of Weymouth Football Club.

The club director and historian thrashed out a deal with former chairman George Rolls yesterday and purchased the majority shareholding for £20,000.

The news was heralded by the club’s supporters, with many growing disillusioned under the Rolls regime.

And London-based Mr Biddlecombe, 55, who will assume the role of chairman, is now looking towards a bright future for his beloved Terras.

Speaking exclusively to the Echo, the lifelong supporter said: “It’s a dream come true.

“I’m hoping we can bury all the hurt and grief of the last few years and between us we can take Weymouth FC forward and have a happy and successful future.

“Once the dust has settled there will be a transfer of the club into an independent trust so that the community own Weymouth FC.

“There are no major plans just yet but all will be discussed with the people who are going to be involved.

“The hard work starts now. We have got to get some more money into the club, as well as sponsorship, and meet our liabilities over the next week until we have a home game.”

Negotiations with Mr Rolls, who initially purchased the club on November 23, 2009 before transferring the majority shareholding to his wife Amanda, took a new twist on Tuesday night when the Cambridge-based businessman upped the asking price to £20,000 – £3,500 more than Mr Biddlecombe’s final offer.

But a number of Weymouth fans rode to the rescue, clubbing together to make the shortfall.

Mr Biddlecombe added: “We settled on £20,000 and the balance of £3,500 was raised by supporters on Tuesday night, for which I am very grateful.

“They will be asked if they want their money back or if they want to be repaid in shares.

“For people to come forward and trust me with their money made me feel very humble and proud to be part of the community that is Weymouth FC.

“I’m not promising League Football in 10 years, we just need to make the club financially viable.”

The departing Mr Rolls also had his say on the takeover, insisting he is proud of his achievements at the Evo-Stik Southern Premier Division outfit.

He said: “I am very proud with what I have done at the club since I took over.

“I saved the club and turned it around. People were very down at the time before I joined and I think I have left the club in a great position.”