HUNDREDS of Terras fans packed into the Swan Inn in Weymouth last night to say their farewells to Garry Hill and Kevin Hales.

The pair, who guided Weymouth to the Nationwide Conference South title last season, were relieved of their duties at the Wessex Stadium last week as part of a dramatic cost-cutting exercise by chairman Martyn Harrison.

Hill and Hales began arranging the goodbye drink on Sunday and were greeted by a huge cheer as they entered the public house.

One child, among a group of youngsters waiting outside, handed Hales a card and it was not long before everyone was clamouring for a chat or a photograph with the duo.

Hales said: "This is absolutely fantastic. We have had a great time in Weymouth and it is sad that it has come to an end but that is just football, you never know what is going to happen."

With the club's future still very much in doubt, some fans took the opportunity to quiz Hill and Hales about the financial crisis that is currently hanging over the Wessex Stadium, but the pair remained diplomatic.

Hales told one lady: "We hold no grudge against the chairman. He is just trying to do what he thinks is best for the club."

Hill and Hales will now have a break from the game before deciding their next move.

Hill said: "The fans have always been fantastic ever since we arrived and Kevin and I really hope the club finds some stability soon. I am now planning to go on holiday to get away from it all and after that I will decide my next career move."