A GOOD love story tends to have a happy ending and Kyle Critchell is hoping his fifth spell at the Terras delivers exactly that.

The 25-year-old’s relationship with Weymouth FC has been jammed packed with mixed emotions over the years but he is confident his affinity with the club is about to receive its ultimate reward.

Critchell, who signed a two-year contract at the Terras last week, told Echosport: “My move from Dorchester Town was a bit of a whirlwind situation but I am happy to be back at the club that I have always supported. It is my fifth spell at Weymouth and I am hoping to remain here now for a long period in my career.

“The biggest reason why I have come back is seeing everyone smiling and being positive again. The right atmosphere seems to be back at the club and that can only bode well for the future.

“Where we will finish this season I am not sure but one thing I can say is that I have stepped down a league to try and do all I can to help get Weymouth back to where it belongs.

“We want to get in the top half and give the fans something to cheer again. If we can do that and put big smiles on their faces, who knows where we could go?”

He went on to add: “I have always looked at Weymouth and always supported them as a club, and the set-up now is very encouraging indeed.

“There is a stable board in place that has the best for the club at heart, a good local management team, and a strong group of players.

“Not only does the squad possess players that have won this league (Evo-Stik Southern Premier Division) but it also has experienced players in key positions and there is a good blend of youth too.

“Nothing is going to happen overnight but if we continue to work hard hopefully it will all come to fruition.

“It’s just a really exciting time and I haven’t felt like this for a long time. There are no factions or divisions here anymore and everyone is pulling in the same direction, and it is that sort of stability that tends to breed success.

“It may take two or three years but I am confident we will get there. Everything is in place and it is just up to us players now to go out and perform on the pitch.”

Crossing the Ridgeway in either direction can often lead to ill-feelings but Critchell wishes the Magpies all the best for the future.

He went on to say: “I have not got a bad word to say about my time at Dorchester.

“The people closest to me know the situation surrounding my move but I really hope that under Phil Simkin they have a positive season.

“I see my long-term future at Weymouth and I really hope one day we meet again in Blue Square Bet South.

“I would love to play in one of those local derbies and financially it would mean so much for both clubs.”