Weymouth Football Club are delighted to bring you Episode 2 of Terra Talks, a weekly web series talking to you the fans about your most cherished memories and stories of supporting Weymouth through the years.
This is open to fans old and new and we are always wanting to hear more stories from you the fans, if you’re interested in featuring then contact us on our social pages.
In this episode, we go back to November 1969, when a young Andy Purchase watched his first Weymouth game, a game that saw Weymouth, unfortunately, lose an FA Cup First round replay against Northampton 3-1. We spoke to the former PA announcer about his story.
“I’ve been a Weymouth fan for 53 years.”
The day-old question will always be who’s your favourite player, but who’s your favourite Weymouth player you’ve watched?
“Aniello Iannone.”
“Inspirational man Mountain who was also a very very skilful footballer and played for the club for over a decade.”
“Saw him play up front, midfield, central defence and even a whole game in goal (away to Runcorn in 1985).”
Following on from your favourite Weymouth player what is the best Weymouth game you’ve watched overall and then the best home game you’ve watched?
“Probably my last match as PA announcer. The 3-0 win over Farnborough, that clinched the Southern League title in 2019. I let myself go a bit that afternoon!”
Speaking of home games many teams have come and gone at The Bob Lucas Stadium, but what’s the best atmosphere you’ve witnessed?
“The FA Cup replay against Nottingham Forest in 2005. A capacity 6, 500 crammed into the BLS under the lights with the SkySports cameras was a sight to behold.”
What’s the best Weymouth team you’ve seen?
“Stuart Morgan’s squad that ran Altrincham so close in the inaugural Alliance League season in 1979/890 making The Terras the second-best non-league club in the country.”
“We’ve never since reached those heights.”
Many players have played for Weymouth since the team was formed, but what is your Ultimate starting XI?
“My ultimate Terras XI:
1. Jason Matthews
2. Bryan Lawrence
3. Trevor Challis
4. Alex Browne
5. Matt Bound (Capt.)
6. Graham Roberts
7. Andy Townsend
8. Anni Iannone
9. Steve Claridge
10. Stuart Beavon
11. Tony Agana
Manager: Stuart Morgan”
A lot of people have their favourite memories of the club, from matches to interaction with players/staff, etc, so if you had to narrow it down to just one, what would be your best memory?
“Bellowing out the goal announcement over the PA when Yemi Odubade put us ahead in that Farnborough match.”
“I knew we were going to be champions then.”
Saving the best till last, what does Weymouth Football Club mean to you?
“It’s in my DNA. I can not imagine my life without it, although there’s been a few too many times recently that I’ve got close to finding out..”
