WEYMOUTH boss Mark Molesley praised centre-back Sam Sherring for a “fantastic” loan spell at the Terras this season.

Sherring fought to overcome an ankle problem but quickly forged a solid partnership in defence with both Shaun Hobson and Stephane Zubar.

Sherring has returned to parent club Bournemouth, where he works with Molesley in the under-21 setup, after making 49 career appearances for the Terras.

Fellow Bournemouth man Brennan Camp has helped fill the void left by Sherring’s departure, which also enabled Cherries’ forward Jaidon Anthony’s arrival at the Bob Lucas Stadium.

Commenting on Sherring’s time at the Terras, Molesley told Echosport he would “forever be grateful” for his services.

“He’s gone back into Bournemouth,” Molesley said.

“He’s had a fantastic loan move with us in helping us get promoted last year and obviously the first part of this season. Unfortunately he missed a little bit through injury.

“He’s gone back in house now and it’s given the opportunity for Jaidon to come and get experience of loan football.

“We’ll forever be grateful for Sam and his impact that he had at us. The club (Bournemouth) thought he needed to go back.”

Last season Sherring made 35 starts, coming on four times from the bench, as he built a commanding double-act with Zubar.

The Terras’ duo played their part in a rearguard which kept 15 clean sheets across all competitions in the previous campaign.

Dorchester-born Sherring, 19, also signed a new contract with the Cherries last summer.