Weymouth have completed the signing of former Torquay United star, Steve Tully.
The 22-year-old right back penned a one-year deal after impressing in last week’s pre-season friendly against Cardiff City.
The Terras got their man despite some stiff competition from a host of clubs including Second Division Oldham Athletic.
Delighted boss Geoff Butler said: “Steve has just returned from Oldham where he’s been on trial and Barnet were also very keen to sign him. Havant & Waterlooville were another club showing interest and so I’m delighted to get him.
Attractions
“By going to somewhere like Havant, Steve probably would have earned a bit more money but the geography of Weymouth suits him better. He’s a Devon lad who lives down in Brixham and one of the attractions was that he’ll be able travel up to Dorset with Lee Phillips.”
Tully made more than 120 first team appearances for the Gulls before being released following the arrival at Plainmoor of new coach Leroy Rosenior in May.
“I saw Steve’s name on the PFA’s free transfer list,” explained Butler, “and it was just a case of sitting tight, being patient and waiting to see what happened. I eventually managed to get him down for the Cardiff match and things just went from there.
Handy
“What I like about the lad is that he is what he says he is and that’s an out and out right-back. He’s the ideal man for us in a 4-4-2 formation and I was very pleased with the way he played the other night.
“He’s got two good feet, plenty of pace and reads the game very well and I’m certain he’ll prove to be a handy acquisition.”
Meanwhile, Butler is on the verge of signing goalkeeper Jason Matthews on a one-year contract.
“It would be a bit harsh to say that Jason’s been on trial during our warm up games,” explained Butler. “He did a great job for me a couple of years ago at Salisbury and so there wasn’t a great deal for him to prove. He’s solid and assured and has fitted in well at the club and I’m delighted he’s agreed terms and will sign a contract later this week.”
