WEYMOUTH are 'weeks rather than days' away from naming their new head coach, according to chief executive Martyn Harrison.

Terras directors have begun sifting through more than 40 applications for the vacant post and will meet early next week to draw up a shortlist.

And one man fast emerging as a serious contender is caretaker coach and skipper Paul Buckle who led Weymouth to a solid 0-0 Nationwide South draw at Lewes last night.

The creditable point made it two games unbeaten for Buckle since Steve Claridge's sacking last week.

And Harrison admitted the midfielder has staked his claim for the post on a full-time basis.

He told Echosport: "Paul has done a great job over the last week or so and all the players have responded magnificently to him.

"He is a knowledgeable coach who looks to have a good future ahead of him.

"I like the idea of promoting from within and it is a principle I try to follow in my hotel business.

"At the moment I'd say we are weeks rather than days from getting a new head coach in place.

"The applications and CVs continue to come in and the interest in the job is great to see.

"There are already a lot of experienced names to consider along with some other interesting candidates.

"Paul is clearly someone we, as a board, will bear in mind for the post and the last couple of good performances have certainly helped his cause.

"Our plan is to go through the applications after this weekend and then get a shortlist together.

"Once that is done we plan to interview those candidates and move on from there.

"It is better to take our time and get this right than rush in and appoint the wrong man.

"In the meantime, team matters will be left to Paul, Gary Borthwick and John Waldock and tonight showed the players are in capable hands."

Two new candidates who have expressed an interest in the Wessex Stadium hot-seat include ex-Terra Graham Roberts and experienced boss Jimmy Quinn who last week resigned from Coca Cola League side Shrewsbury.

Yeovil Town assistant boss Steve Thompson is understood to have ruled himself out of the running.

Buckle said he was delighted how Weymouth's players have responded to him in the last two outings.

"I'm really enjoying this job," he said, "but that's all due to the fact the players have made it so easy to do.

"They have pulled together and worked their socks off in each game.

"But I'm not sure how long the situation will remain as it is now - I'm just happy to help out."

Buckle said his side were 'unlucky' to come away from the Dripping Pan with just a point after dominating possession against the high-flying Rooks.

"I can't believe we didn't win it to be honest because we murdered them," he said.

"What was pleasing was we were controlled in our football and also very strong again at the back.

"We should have had a cast-iron penalty early on when Lee Phillips was fouled and had that been given I'm sure we would have won comfortably.

"Lewes hit the post late on and had a couple of other chances but I don't think they would have complained had we claimed the points."

* Weymouth reserves host Plymouth Argyle's second string in a friendly at the Wessex Stadium tonight, 7pm.

Defender Matt Bound is set to get a run out after a recent injury set-back, while first teamer Simon Browne and

keeper Francisco Ramos are also likely to play.