STEVE Claridge today ruled out appointing a new assistant manager in the next fortnight.

The Weymouth boss is hunting for a replacement for Neil McNab left to take up a coaching post in America last week.

But while Claridge knows who he wants as his right hand man, a tight Wessex Stadium budget has put paid to a quick appointment.

He said: "It was obviously very disappointing to lose Neil because he did a great job in the time he was here and everyone at the club benefited greatly from his excellent coaching.

"I want to bring someone in to replace him but because we are a part time club, we have to be sensible on the outgoings.

"We're still in a precarious financial position because of the expenditure that needed to be done over the summer so I can't just throw money around which I fully understand and appreciate.

"The income through the gate has been fantastic so far this season and so I've agreed with the chairman to see how things go on that front in the next couple of weeks before deciding on what to do next.

"If we continue to get 1,400 or 1,500 every game then I'm

certain I'll bring an assistant and maybe one or two extra players to the club. But I don't want to put an extra burden on our finances without knowing we can afford it."

The Terras player manager said he had already sounded out his mystery target for the assistant role.

He said: "It is such a vital role at a Football club so it's important I get the right man. I know who I want but whether I bring him to the club in two weeks, ten weeks or ten months time, who knows.

"I've never played or worked with him at a club before but I know him through his television work. He is a very knowledgeable about the game and would be a huge boost to Weymouth Football Club.

"But in the meantime, we'll go with what we've got and I'm sure Gary Borthwick will be more than ably fill Neil's role in the coming weeks."

Last night's results: Dr Martens Premier Division: Newport County 2 Chippenham Town 2. Screwfix Direct Premier: Bishop Sutton 0 Paulton 5.