WEYMOUTH owner Martyn Harrison has revealed he turned down the chance to buy Sydenhams Wessex League outfit Wimborne Town.

The millionaire hotel tycoon was approached by Wimborne representatives about purchasing the Cuthbury outfit.

The move came after Magpies chairman Nick O'Hara put the east Dorset club up for sale last month.

But Harrison - Weymouth's majority shareholder through his Hollybush Hotels firm - says he had no interest in taking over the former FA Vase winners for a sum in the region of £70,000.

Harrison told Echosport: "A Wimborne representative approached me and asked whether I would be interested in buying Wimborne.

"I asked him how much would be needed and I was told around £70,000.

"I talked it over with my fellow Weymouth director Matthew McGowan but I politely turned him down. I can hardly cope with running one football club, let alone two."

The London-based businessman added: "I did ask a other few people with knowledge of local football about Wimborne but decided not to take things any further.

"I wish Wimborne all the best for the future and hope they find a buyer soon."

Former Weymouth and Dorchester favourite Taffy Richardson previously expressed an interest in taking over at the Cuthbury.

But the ex-Wimborne skipper, who lifted the FA Vase at Wembley in 1992, later abandoned his bid. The Magpies have now been taken off the market following the arrival at Cuthbury of local businessman and former speedway promotor Paul Miller.

Miller said: "I've been quietly keeping an eye on the situation that was unfolding at Wimborne over the last few months and after meeting with directors Nick O'Hara and Ken Stuart, it was apparent that it was not their passion for the football club that was in doubt but the burden of an overwhelming workload.

"We all decided I had a lot to offer the club and the deal was done."

Meanwhile Weymouth have confirmed a glamour pre-season friendly with Southampton.

The Saints, who will be lining up in the Coca-Cola Championship next season, will visit the Wessex Stadium on Tuesday, July 19, 7.30pm.

In addition to their two game tour of Ireland between July 10-14 and home clash with Brentford on Tuesday, July 26, the Terras have also confirmed another couple of warm-up fixtures.

Garry Hill's outfit travel to Godalming and Guildford, winger Darren Wheeler's former club, on Tuesday, August 2, 7.30pm.

Weymouth also take to the road on Friday, August 5 when they face Tiverton Town at Ladysmead, 7.30pm. The fixture will see Hill's side pit themselves against former players Michael Walker and Stewart Yetton.

Terrace tickets are still available for Dorchester Town's glamour friendly with a Chelsea XI at the Avenue Stadium on July 26.

Seats for the testimonial for long-serving Magpies defender Andy Harris have sold out.

But organisers say terrace tickets are still for sale, costing £7 for adults and £3 for children under-14.

For more details or to buy tickets call Pauline Thorne on 01305 264243.