Terras fans will get a chance to pay tribute to goal-machine David Laws next month.
Nationwide Conference champions Yeovil Town have agreed to provide the opposition for his testimonial game at the Wessex Stadium on Wednesday, May 7 (7.45pm).
Laws, who missed Saturday’s goalless draw against Dover Athletic after failing a fitness test on a hamstring injury, is delighted the Glovers are coming to town.
He said: “We approached a few sides looking for a fixture, but Yeovil were the ones I really wanted. Not only are they Weymouth’s biggest rivals, they are probably the biggest team in the region right now.
“They’ve done fantastically well to win promotion to the Football League and they’re going to be one of the best supported sides in Division Three next season.
“I’m sure they’ll bring a good following down with them on the night and I’m very grateful to their manager Gary Johnson for agreeing to help me out and to our boss Geoff Butler for sorting it in the first place.”
The Glovers, who cruised to a 6-1 victory over Burton Albion at the weekend, will be bringing their Conference championship trophy with them to show-off on the night.
“They’ve got a big celebration do in Yeovil a few days later,” explained Laws, “and so this will be a bit of a dress rehearsal for them. I know it will hard for Terras fans to see the enemy bathed in all that glory, but there’s no reason why it can’t be Weymouth in a few years time.”
Squaring up to Yeovil on the night will be a Weymouth select side made up of Laws’ team-mates past and present.
Names such as one-time Terra and Olympic sprinter Darren Campbell, Portland goalkeeper Paul Myers, ex-boss Andy Mason and Newport IoW manager Steve Tate are already on the team sheet, while guest performances are expected from Laws’ former Eastleigh colleagues, Matt Le Tissier and David Hughes.
“I’ve got a few more people to contact,” added Laws, “but there’s going to be some blasts from the past taking part. Darren Campbell and David Hughes have also agreed to play and I’m very hopeful Le Tis can make it as well.
“We’ve got a few special events planned for the night, one of which will be a grand raffle. We’ve got prizes such as signed Darren Campbell running vests and autographed football shirts and the draw will take place at half-time.
“It should be a great night out for all the family and I’m really looking forward to it. I’ve had some fantastic times here at Weymouth and the testimonial game gives me the chance to say a big thank you to all the many friends I have at the club.”
Any companies or individuals wanting to support or sponsor Laws on the night should call 07967-339858 for details.
* Laws will again undergo a fitness test before the Terras Dr Martens Premier Division clash with Bath City at Twerton Park today (3pm).
Fellow striker Michael Jackson definitely misses out as he begins a two-match suspension while Phil Andrews is expected to start if Laws fails to make it.
Manager Geoff Butler said: “I’m not holding out too much hope in Lawsy’s case. I think he’s going to need at least another week. If he doesn’t come through then I’d be tempted to push Mark Robinson up front and bring Phil off the bench and into midfield.”
