WHILE the deck is stacked against the Terras sneaking into the play-off spots on the final day of their league campaign, player-manager Jason Matthews remains optimistic of Weymouth extending their season in dramatic fashion.
The Terras’ boss, whose team have only conceded once in their last five league fixtures, will need his side to win at Chesham United tomorrow (3pm) and hope that Leamington lose at home to Hungerford, to have any chance of gaining a top-five position.
Giving his thoughts going into the season finale, Matthews told Echosport: “One spot is still up for grabs and it’s going to be incredibly tight.
“First and foremost, we have to win a game of football tomorrow and you never know what’s going to happen.
“For us to finish with 80 points and not make the play-offs would be a good achievement, but not what we would have wanted.
“Whatever happens elsewhere happens, we need to go out and win and finish the season on a massive high.”
News from Leamington’s clash is likely to filter through to Matthews’ men during their battle with the Generals tomorrow.
Asked if he will check the scores elsewhere during the interval of their own game, the player-boss added: “I’d be lying if I said I won’t look at half-time but it’s up to us to win a game of football first.”
Should the Terras not be successful in reaching the play-offs, tomorrow could be some of Matthews’ current squad’s final game in a Weymouth shirt, but the boss is hopeful of keeping the nucleus of his group together for next term.
He added: “I’m obviously holding talks with a few of the lads over the next week or two and letting them know their futures.
“You grow an affinity with the lads over the season, you spend a lot of time together.
“They need to enjoy their football and, if they enjoy it, they usually play well. On the whole, I feel that every one of the lads would have done that this year.
“A lot of the lads are young and probably want to weigh their options up, which I fully understand, but I have to look after Weymouth Football Club.
“I desperately want to keep my young squad together. That could be difficult over the summer but I will do my utmost to do it and bring in one or two additions.
“I have made moves and have spoken to a few other players that we would like to bring in next season.”
Asked what his message to the group will be before tomorrow’s showdown, the Terras’ player-manager said: “Keep believing. Go out and play your stuff, and let’s win.”
Kettering Town could also still be in the mix for the top five on the final day of the campaign, depending in their result against Bideford last night.
