AN Ridley has hit back at critics who claim Weymouth are spending more than they can afford.

The Terras chairman says while Steve Claridge's wage bill is more than what was given last season to previous boss Geoff Butler, he says the Wessex Stadium outfit are not paying "stupid money" for players.

Ridley says he is not risking the future of the club and claims the Terras' wage budget this season is not as high as some of their Dr Martens Premier Division rivals.

In the second part of an exclusive interview with Echosport, he said: "I've heard some ridiculous figures mentioned as to our wage bill this season. I'm not going to go into figures but, while it is higher than last season, I would estimate it is around the eighth highest in our league.

"We certainly aren't paying stupid money. From talking to people at other clubs, I know that Newport, Havant and Waterlooville and Nuneaton are all paying out more than we are.

"The contracts of the players are also set up so we only reward success. Bonuses will not apply if we in the bottom half. I realise some people have concerns but there are a lot of wild claims out there which are far from the truth.

Ridley added that the club's accounts ahead of the annual general meeting at the end of September are expected to make grim reading for shareholders.

He said: "The accounts will be for the year before I and the other directors came in and although the meeting is another six or so weeks away, I'm sure the figures won't look good.

"The reason for that is because the constant cost-cutting that has gone on at the club and caused reduced income through the gate. Investment in the team has been needed to show people we are worth supporting which is what we've done.

"No club at any level can rely solely on gate income alone to fund the wage bill. It is vital to have revenue arriving in other ways to make up any shortfall and building a good off the field team is the key to that."

He added: "Steve Claridge is on good money for this level of football but he is a special case as he is someone with the character and charisma who we can build the long-term future of the club around.

"The difference this year with previous seasons is that we now have revenue coming in from outside sources which were never there in the past."