JASON Matthews has been given the green light to continue as manager next season.

The Weymouth player-boss has received the board’s full backing after collecting 19 points from 11 games since replacing Brendon King last December, initially as caretaker-manager.

A club statement reads: “Weymouth Football Club is delighted to announce that it has reached an agreement with current manager Jason Matthews for him to remain in the role.

“Jason has been working very hard since his appointment - originally as caretaker-manager - and agreed to accept the role on a permanent basis at last week's board meeting.

“Jason originally agreed to act as player-manager for the remainder of this season whilst seeing if the managerial role was right for him. We are pleased to say that the decision has been a positive one.

“The board of directors - for their part - have been more than happy with the way Jason has gone about his role and are pleased that he has agreed to accept the responsibility, as we all continue to work together to ensure a bright future for our club.”

Matthews is delighted with this latest development but admits there is still a lot of work to be done to lift the club out of the doldrums.

He added: “Now everything has been confirmed it gives me a chance to start building for the future.

“It also puts other people’s minds at rest, particularly those players that I am trying to sign.

“I am obviously really happy and hopefully we can all move forward now and take this club back to where we want it to be.”

Looking ahead, Matthews continued: “We have put in a lot of hard work over the past two months and there is a lot more in front of us.

“I have been working closely with Alan Pepperell (club director) to try and ensure everything is right at the club, and within budget, and we are making progress.

“We are working hard to bring in the right players at the right price and we are looking to develop the commercial side too.

“I have also been establishing links with the likes of Southampton and the other big clubs around us, and so far it has all been very encouraging. “There is a lot going on and it is going to take time.

“I would like to win every game but, at the moment, that might not always be possible, particularly with all the injuries and changes in personnel.

“It is very much a work in progress and all I ask of the supporters is that they stick with me and give me a chance.”

The Terras host Hamworthy United tonight in the semi-finals of the Dorset Senior Cup before travelling to Cambridge City on Wednesday in the Southern Premier Division (both 7.45pm).

Commenting on the double header, Matthews said: “It is far from ideal, having two games in two days, but the reserves have been playing extremely well and this evening will give me the chance to look at a few of them.

“There will be some first-team players playing too. Michael Walker will start and there is a chance Mark Ford and Luke Winsper will be involved, as long as they come through their fitness tests.

“Carl McClements will also get 90 minutes and hopefully we can put in a good performance.

“We are certainly taking the match seriously but, with a small squad, we also have to be mindful.”

New signing Lamar Powell has not been registered in time to feature tonight.

Matthews explained: “I wanted to give Lamar a full run out but you have to be registered for seven days in order to play in the competition.”