STEWART Yetton has “staked a claim” to secure his place in time for the business end of Weymouth’s season, according to player-manager Jason Matthews.
The Terras’ boss, who is set to lead his side into battle against Chesham United at the Bob Lucas Stadium tonight (7.45pm), believes his club captain “looked refreshed” on his return to the starting XI at Poole Town in Weymouth’s last league outing.
In an interview with Echosport over the weekend, former Plymouth Argyle man Yetton admitted he had “been in the gym a little bit just to get a little bit fitter and sharper” as part of a bid to get “back in the gaffer’s thoughts”.
Commenting on his striker, Matthews told Echosport: “I thought Yetts’ performance at Poole was good and he looked refreshed, he has definitely staked a claim for a starting place.
“On the whole, a lot of the lads are working really hard. I think the penny has finally dropped that nobody is really guaranteed a start.
“I think that in Yetts’ case, we had a little chat, and he knew he needed to lose a little bit of weight.
“He has gone away and done that and I personally think that his attitude is first-class.
“Sometimes, when you are at a club for a while, maybe you do take your place for granted. I’m not saying that Yetts did that but he did look sharper when he played against Poole.
“I have always thought he would come good, a little break may have done him some good.”
Matthews’ options have been bolstered since his side’s last league outing, with George Rigg, Chris Shephard and Dean Evans all expected to be back in the squad following respective injuries and suspension.
Jake Wannell is banned for tonight’s game against the Generals, who currently sit 19th in the Evo-Stik Southern Premier Division.
Matthews added: “It’s probably another must-win game but you could say that about all of our home games now. We have eight home games left and I would say if we won all of them we would make the play-offs.”
