Bobby Wilkinson to stay at Weymouth for extra two years

Wilkinson’s new deal features improved terms and comes with the commitment of his assistant Mike Percival, plus that of CEO Paul Maitland and financial consultant Simon Etherington.

Wilkinson’s previous deal lasted until the end of the 2023/24 campaign and Terras insiders feel the new deal sends a clear message over their ambitions for the next three seasons.

Speaking to Echosport, Wilkinson said: “As soon as we sat down and we started the discussions and I got the terms I wanted, I could see the club wanted to keep me.

READ MORE: Bobby Wilkinson reveals long-term desire to manage Weymouth

“It was an easy decision in the end because I’m trying to build something here.

“Even though I’m a long way from where I want to be, I’m very happy with the direction we’re going in. It was all about the direction on the pitch as well as on it.

“As soon as Paul and Simon, and Mike, committed it was a no-brainer. Let’s keep moving the club forward and get the positiveness for the future as well.

“It’s been a challenge at times but I’m very proud of what I’ve done through some difficult periods at the club.

“I could’ve stayed where I was (at Bracknell) and stayed safe, but I don’t play safe. I love a challenge, everyone knows that about me.

“I’m relishing it and we’ve got a lot of work to do. I’m hoping this is the beginning of a bright future for Weymouth Football Club. I’m really pleased.”

Weymouth CEO Paul Maitland, left, with Bobby Wilkinson (Image: MARK PROBIN)

Quizzed on the club’s desire to keep him, Wilkinson added: “That’s big. They’re making a statement now – we mean business as a club.

“That’s showing everyone in the football world that we’re planning for the future. We’ve all got something to look forward to.

“Everyone is worried about staying up or going down. Well, let’s plan no matter what and give ourselves a little more belief in that department.”

Maitland echoed Wilkinson’s thoughts.

“It’s a real statement of intent,” he said. “I have a good working relationship with Bobby and I’ve been seriously impressed with his work ethic, his professionalism, his drive and enthusiasm.

“I just don’t see anyone better placed than Bobby to take us forward. I like to think I’m a decisive person and I felt, talking to the board and Simon, that it was the right time.

“We’ve done the feeling sorry for ourselves, we’ve done the licking our wounds. We’ve hit close to rock bottom and we’re not off the bottom football-wise or business-wise, but we are improving.

“We’ve got to be brave. I don’t see this as a brave decision, most people see it as sensible, but we can’t get held back.

“I feel in my time here over the last 11 years that we’ve always been a bit frightened of the past. We’ve got to stop that if we’re going to progress on and off the pitch.”

Maitland and Etherington both returned to the club in the summer to rescue Weymouth from a financial crisis.

Asked how easy their decision was to now extend their time at the club, Maitland responded: “Both of us feel that we need to stay, be a part of things and continue our journey with the club.

“Bobby was quite clear that for him to sign that kind of contract he wanted to see Simon and I remain.

“It became a no-brainer. I would’ve hated to see Bobby leave. Quite frankly, if that was what it was going to take, I’m prepared to do that – and the same for Simon.

“We both have come back in and the challenges have been obvious. They’re still there, but I love nothing more than having to fight and scrap for everything.”