JAKE McCarthy says he is delighted after extending his stay at Weymouth.
Speaking after the Terras were knocked out of the BigFreeBet.com Challenge Cup by Larkhall Athletic, McCarthy said: “It is great to sign a new deal. It was disappointing to lose the game but all in all it is just to get minutes in.”
McCarthy made his first start for the Terras since suffering from appendicitis in the week leading up to the 2-0 home win against Biggleswade Town back in November, having come off the bench in the 1-1 draw at home against Bishop’s Stortford on Saturday.
McCarthy said: “I thought I had done well in the first half on Tuesday, second half when I came out I felt a little bit leggy where I haven’t played in seven or so weeks.
“Match fitness will come and that was the main aim just to get some fitness in and also just get my sharpness back which will come back with the more games I play in.
“I came on for the last 10 the other day in the league and I thought I had done well then, there was only a short amount of time, it was good to get 60 or 70 minutes on Tuesday and like I said just build up fitness and hopefully kick on from there.
When asked how it feels to return after the period out McCarthy praised his team-mates for their reaction to his return.
McCarthy said: “The boys have been all really supportive, glad to see me back in the changing room.
“They have all been wishing me well and then when I came on for the last ten minutes they all said I done really well and that so there is a really good vibe we have got in the club and so hopefully we can just keep it going now.”
Looking ahead to the Terras’ match away against Stratford Town at the weekend McCarthy said: “I can’t wait to hopefully be involved, and hopefully get some minutes again and hopefully make it right, we have had a few draws now in the league and we want to turn those draws into wins and kick on and make the playoffs.”
Weymouth manager Mark Molesley described McCarthy’s contract extension as “fantastic news.”
Molesley said it was a big positive for the club both with McCarthy signing his extension and starting to get his match fitness back.
Molesley said: “It is great to have him back involved and that game out there will hopefully accelerate his fitness and get him back in contention for us.”
Commenting on McCarthy’s return Molesley said: “People forget he was in hospital for over a week and for him to come back as quick as he has. He is a fit lad he looks after himself he loves football, you could see that as soon as he came on, he got nailed a couple of times, won a couple of free-kicks for us.”
