STEVE Claridge today dismissed rumours linking former Terra Shaun Teale with a return to the Wessex Stadium.

The Weymouth boss is searching for a new assistant manager after Neil McNab quit the post this week to take up a coaching job in America.

Teale, who led Unibond minnows Burscough to FA Trophy glory last season, is currently without a club after being sacked by the Lancashire outfit following a row over his playing budget.

He was a front runner for the Terras' managerial position before Claridge eventually took over from sacked boss Geoff Butler.

But Claridge said no decision has been made yet on the vacant position and coach Gary Borthwick will take the reins when Weymouth travel to Dr Martens Premier Division surprise packets Hinckley United tomorrow.

He said: "I'm obviously sad Neil has gone because he has done a fantastic job since he came here. He is respected by the players and his coaching has been second to none.

"But Neil always said he could go to America at any time and unfortunately that time has now come. But hopefully his departure won't be too much of a blow and, in the meantime, I'm sure Gary is capable of doing a good job.

"I've got a couple of people in mind for the job but at the moment it has gone no further than that. Shaun Teale is someone I know well but names that are being linked are just talk at the moment."

On the pitch, Claridge expects his unbeaten side to have a

battle on their hands when they travel to Middlefield Lane.

But Weymouth, who set off for Hinckley today for an overnight stay, are expected to boosted by the return of midfielder Lee Philpott who has sat out the last three games with a thigh strain.

Doubts continue to surround defender Jamie Impey (back) and midfielder Ian Hutchinson (ankle), while left back Lee Russell is out with a calf strain and striker Lee Phillips has a strained knee.

"Hinckley have had a good start and look to have improved greatly on last season. It'll be a very difficult game but we've got enough quality about us to beat most teams in this league provided we play at our best.

"Having Lee Philpott back will be a boost because he gives us something a bit different. We'll be preparing in exactly the same way as we did for Hednesford on the opening day and there'll be no excuses for us not being ready for the game."