YEOVIL Town boss Gary Johnson's brother today emerged as a shock leading contender to become new Weymouth head-coach.

Former Latvia under-18's boss Steve Johnson confirmed he wants to take over from sacked Steve Claridge at the Wessex Stadium.

And the ex-Chertsey Town manager - who will watch Weymouth at Lewes in the Nationwide South tonight - told how he would follow his brother's successful Yeovil masterplan if he gets the Terras job.

He told Echosport: "Weymouth is a massive job but I want it and feel I can certainly do it.

"I talked to my brother Gary and he said Weymouth are a terrific club who have under-achieved and urged me to go for it.

"I know a lot of big names have gone for what is a illustrious job and I guess many people will look at me and say Steve who?

"But everyone said the same thing about Gary when he took over at Yeovil and look what they have done since.

"I've got the same footballing philosophy as Gary and I know I've got the makings of a good coach.

"But although I've learned a lot from him and would use some of the same principles, I don't want to hang on his coat-tails.

"I went to watch Weymouth at Welling on Saturday and, at the moment, I'd say the average age of the team is too old.

"I agree you need experience in the team but the key for me is getting value for money.

"There is no point paying full-time wages for part-time players.

"If I was fortunate enough to be given the job, I'd look to lower the average age of the squad and bring in hungry young professionals to ideally ten or so 20 to 22-years- olds.

"It looks like things need freshening up down there a bit and I've already spoken to players who would move down to the area and join."

Johnson, who was sacked from Sussex League side Arundel earlier this season after a row with the club's board, said he would relocate to Weymouth if given the job.

Weymouth's directors discussed early applicants during a board meeting yesterday.

And the ex-Lewes boss is said to be heading their list of contenders after meeting them before last weekend's win at Welling.

"I'm based in Eastbourne at the moment," said Johnson, "but I would move straight away.

"I've already done my research on the area and the club and I'm willing to commit 24 hours a day to get Weymouth in the Conference first, and then the Football League.

"To me, the youth set-up at the club is just as important as the first team and I'd certainly

dedicate lots of time to that.

"Sometimes the youth teams and reserve sides can feel detached from the rest of the club for whatever reason and it is important everyone feels as one.

"I'd want to make the club so attractive that the best youngsters would not want to go to Yeovil, Torquay or Bristol Rovers - but throwing money at them is not the answer."

He added: "I know there are probably people with more experience in for the job than me.

"But the proof is in the pudding as they say and I know Gary would not have recommended me if he did not feel I could do a good job.

"I feel I can and hopefully the Weymouth board will agree."

Skipper and stand-in coach Paul Buckle will again run things from the sideline tonight at the Dripping Pan.

The midfielder is set to name an unchanged side, although winger Adam Wilde could be handed a start after a late substitute appearance at Welling.

* Weymouth's under-18 side triumphed on penalties last night in the FA Youth Cup against Mangotsfield United. e 27