FORMER Weymouth star Darren Campbell has made an impassioned plea for Terras fans to help keep their club alive.

The Olympic sprinter took to the turf at half-time during the team’s clash with Forest Green Rovers at the Wessex Stadium yesterday.

He urged supporters to do their bit by buying shares as he helped chairman Ian Ridley launch the new ‘Share and Care’ scheme.

Supporters club the Terras Trust snapped up £5,000-worth as fans queued for share application forms.

And things improved on the pitch as the Terras – under new boss Bobby Gould – secured a 1-1 draw against their visitors.

Mr Campbell, who enjoyed a spell at Weymouth during a break from athletics, said he was glad to help.

“I always enjoyed my time here,” he said. “I’ve got great memories and lots of friends in the area.

“I often come back to visit but I’ve never returned to the club, so I was happy to show my support.

“I also wanted to say thank you to Weymouth for supporting me. The town and club are still in my heart.”

Mr Campbell has followed Weymouth’s progress since leaving and said he was shocked at their predicament.

“Over the last few years Weymouth have been doing really well, which makes it a real shame,” he said.

“It’s happened at the worst time with the recession but if everyone can show a little bit of support, the club can be saved.

“People just need to do whatever they can afford, because Weymouth have a great history and don’t deserve this.”

Weymouth have put 900,000 shares on sale at 50p each to generate funds to pay off creditors.

Supporters stopped by the Terras Trust’s table beneath the main stand yesterday to pick up application forms.

Andy Purchase, 46, from Chickerell, said he pledged money back in February but had held back until now. He said: “I’m glad I waited because I’m more confident in the current board and the way the club’s going.”

“We need a massive financial injection and it’s down to businesses and supporters like myself to do whatever necessary to help.”

Mr Purchase’s son Adam, eight, said: “It’s really important everyone gets behind the club. I want Weymouth to still be around to support when I’m my dad’s age.”

Fan Darrell Dilley, 44, from Preston, added: “I’m definitely buying shares – the main reason I came down was to pick up an application form.

“Weymouth need our support. We’ve got to have a side