IAN Hutchinson has no regrets about missing the big FA Cup trip to Nottingham Forest. The Terras stalwart joined Tiverton Town on a month's loan just hours before Weymouth secured their plumb first round tie.

But Hutchinson, who appeared for Martyn Rogers' outfit in an FA Cup replay defeat against Nuneaton Borough on Tuesday, insists he'd rather play for Tivvy than watch the City Ground clash from the stands.

He told Echosport: "I've been at Weymouth for 11 years now and so I guess it's only natural to be a bit disappointed about not going to Forest.

"In my time we never seemed to get anywhere in the FA Cup but that's finally changed this season and I'm really pleased for the club and the supporters because no-one deserves it more.

"Even though it would have been nice to go to the City Ground, the occasion would have been quite difficult on a personal level.

"As a footballer, all you want to do is play and the reality is I probably wouldn't have been involved and would have to watch the game from the stands.

"Against a side like Forest, that would be hard to take because I would be itching to get out there.

"To be honest I'm relieved to be away from the club during the build-up and I'm just pleased to be getting regular first team football at Tiverton.

"I certainly haven't got any regrets about making the loan move when I did. "We're at home to Cheshunt in the Southern Premier League the day Weymouth are at Forest and that might seem less important to some people but that's not the case as far as I'm concerned.

"I'm nearly 32 now and at my age playing regular football is important and luckily Tiverton have given me the chance to do that.

"I'm focusing on the next month, getting some games under my belt and doing well for Tiverton and then I'll see what the future holds.

"That's no reflection on Weymouth - I think the world of the club and I'll certainly be at the City Ground in spirit.

"It's just that I want to play as much football as I can, while I can, and Martyn Rogers has given me the opportunity at Tiverton."

Hutchinson says he has settled in well at Ladysmead, slotting into midfield for the Devon club.

"I travel to Tivvy with Pete Conning, who is the assistant manager and a former Terra, while I also know people like Jamie Mudge and Stewart Yetton," he explained.

"It was a strange feeling playing for Tiverton at Nuneaton last weekend after all those years at Weymouth.

"Realising I had to pass to a player in a yellow shirt was strange, I kept thinking we were in claret and blue.

"But I enjoyed pulling on my boots again and was pleased with how things went, it's just a shame we got knocked out the cup in the first round."

Despite missing the trip to Forest, Hutchinson is backing Weymouth to perform well at the City Ground.

"It's going to be tough, but I'm sure the lads can do it," he said.

"It'll be a big day but hopefully the town will get behind the club in big numbers and the lads can pull off an upset."