THEY may have been relegated but Weymouth Football Club’s fortunes could well receive a boost thanks to a new fan’s globetrotting antics.

The latest Terras supporter to come out of the woodwork is American heavy metal band bass guitarist Bryan Richie who wears his new Weymouth football shirt on stage when he plays.

Bryan is a member of the Texas-based band The Sword, who have been supporting the metal group Metallica on their Death Magnetic world tour.

The shirt was a gift from his friend Alex Fuhrmann who presented to him backstage at the O2 Arena in London.

Alex, 26, is a basketball coach, music promoter and DJ who lives in Weymouth. He met Bryan through a mutual friend while studying at the University of North Texas as part of an exchange programme.

Alex said: “He was a thoroughly nice bloke and although I wasn’t really a heavy metal fan then we got on well and stayed in touch when I came home.

“I have been following his progress since he joined The Sword. They have made a name for themselves and were one of Rolling Stone magazine’s ‘top bands to watch’.”

Alex added: “Every time the band comes over we link up and Bryan gives me tickets and a band T-shirt.

“They do great shows and although people have their own views about heavy metal they are some of the loveliest people you could ever meet and you’re guaranteed a good time at their gigs.

“When The Sword came over to support Metallica I thought of returning the favour. I was going to give Bryan a Weymouth tourist shirt but couldn’t find one so decided on a Weymouth FC top.

“I thought it would be a nice memento and with the club being in such a dire position they might not be around for much longer and the shirt will be a real find in years to come.”

Alex presented the shirt at the O2 Arena and Bryan promised to wear it for a gig the next night in Newcastle.

He wore it for another O2 show a month later which Alex attended.