DIAMOND GEEZER

The 28-year-old striker, who yesterday joined the Terras on a three-year contract, is convinced the Dorset club can make the transition from part-time to professional football in double quick time.

He explained: "Rushden might have been a non-League club just a couple of years ago, but the one thing that strikes you when you go there is how professional they are in everything they do.

"To me, Weymouth are in a similar position. Okay, so they're playing two leagues below Division Three, but you'd never know it because they conduct themselves in such a professional manner.

"That's been one of the major selling points for me and if the club maintains those high standards, there's no reason why they can't do what Rushden did in a very sort space of time."

After beginning his career as a YTS student at Bradford City, Partridge served the Bantams as a first year professional before moving to Bristol City. He then had successful spells with Cardiff City, Torquay United and Brentford before transferring to Rushden.

"I've been out of work since being released by Rushden at the end of last season," he said, "and it's been Clive Whitehead at the PFA who has been putting mine and many other players' names in the shop window. One of the people he contacted was Steve Claridge and Weymouth were the first club to make me a firm offer.

"I've played against Steve a few times and obviously respect him greatly and it's nice to link up with him and Ian Ridley who are two of the most positive men in football. They now what they want and they now how to get it and I want to be part of what's going on down here.

"I know a few of the lads like Steve Tully from Torquay and that's been a plus because they've helped me settle in really quickly. I also spent a short time on loan at Exeter last year when Neil McNab was in charge and so he's another one who's no stranger to me either.

"Now I can't wait for the season to begin and I've got a feeling they'll be plenty to shout about at Weymouth."

Based just outside Leicester, Partridge has underlined his commitment to the Terras by putting his family home on the market and he's now searching for a new house in the West Country.

He said: "Coming out of the professional game means I've got a bit of time on my hands which I'm determined to use wisely. The initial plan is to move down somewhere south of Bristol and then go back to college and train in a trade.

Weymouth have turned down an approach for star striker Lee Phillips from Dr Martens Premier Division rivals Tiverton Town.

Tivvy boss Martyn Rogers had hoped to tempt the former Plymouth Argyle man to Ladysmead but was denied permission to talk to him by Terras manager Steve Claridge.

Rogers said: "Steve wasn't keen on me talking to Lee but it is not a massive problem. I have three strikers at the club and they are capable of scoring and doing well at this level."

Rogers has now turned his attention to Chippenham's former Swindon hit man, Charlie Griffin. NEW signing Scott Partridge reckons Weymouth can follow in the footsteps of his previous employers Rushden and Diamonds.

The 28-year-old striker, who yesterday joined the Terras on a three-year contract, is convinced the Dorset club can make the transition from part-time to professional football in double quick time.

He explained: "Rushden might have been a non-League club just a couple of years ago, but the one thing that strikes you when you go there is how professional they are in everything they do.

"To me, Weymouth are in a similar position. Okay, so they're playing two leagues below Division Three, but you'd never know it because they conduct themselves in such a professional manner.

"That's been one of the major selling points for me and if the club maintains those high standards, there's no reason why they can't do what Rushden did in a very sort space of time."

After beginning his career as a YTS student at Bradford City, Partridge served the Bantams as a first year professional before moving to Bristol City. He then had successful spells with Cardiff City, Torquay United and Brentford before transferring to Rushden.

"I've been out of work since being released by Rushden at the end of last season," he said, "and it's been Clive Whitehead at the PFA who has been putting mine and many other players' names in the shop window. One of the people he contacted was Steve Claridge and Weymouth were the first club to make me a firm offer.

"I've played against Steve a few times and obviously respect him greatly and it's nice to link up with him and Ian Ridley who are two of the most positive men in football. They now what they want and they now how to get it and I want to be part of what's going on down here.

"I know a few of the lads like Steve Tully from Torquay and that's been a plus because they've helped me settle in really quickly. I also spent a short time on loan at Exeter last year when Neil McNab was in charge and so he's another one who's no stranger to me either.

"Now I can't wait for the season to begin and I've got a feeling they'll be plenty to shout about at Weymouth."

Based just outside Leicester, Partridge has underlined his commitment to the Terras by putting his family home on the market and he's now searching for a new house in the West Country.

He said: "Coming out of the professional game means I've got a bit of time on my hands which I'm determined to use wisely. The initial plan is to move down somewhere south of Bristol and then go back to college and train in a trade.

Weymouth have turned down an approach for star striker Lee Phillips from Dr Martens Premier Division rivals Tiverton Town.

Tivvy boss Martyn Rogers had hoped to tempt the former Plymouth Argyle man to Ladysmead but was denied permission to talk to him by Terras manager Steve Claridge.

Rogers said: "Steve wasn't keen on me talking to Lee but it is not a massive problem. I have three strikers at the club and they are capable of scoring and doing well at this level."

Rogers has now turned his attention to Chippenham's former Swindon hit man, Charlie Griffin.