BRANDON Goodship has returned to Weymouth on a two-year deal.

Goodship will officially join Brian Stock's men in early July when his Southend United contract ends.

Striker Goodship, 26, scored 77 goals for the Terras between 2017 and 2019, winning the Southern League title and achieving promotion to National League South level.

His exploits earned him a professional deal at then League One side Southend United, where he netted six goals in 35 games across all competitions.

However, following his release from the Shrimpers in May, the former Bournemouth, Yeovil and Dorchester hitman became a prime target of Weymouth.

Manager Brian Stock has previously worked with Goodship at Bournemouth and at the Brian Stock Academy.

READ MORE: Weymouth tight-lipped on Goodship rumours

Speaking to Echosport, Stock was delighted to have captured the proven serial goalscorer.

On Goodship, Stock said: “He’s a player that needs no introduction.

“The fans know what Brandon’s all about. He left the club for all the right reasons. It was the right decision for him to try and progress his career.

“Sometimes you need to take a step back to take a step forward.

“I’ve personally done that in my career and I think Brandon realises the importance of playing games, scoring goals and to enjoy his football.

“With the relationship I’ve had with him previously, I fully expect it to be a continued one and one I’m looking forward to as well.”

Goodship will likely face his old club Southend after their relegation to the National League.

Despite only scoring six goals in 35 games at Southend, Stock believes Goodship will be a perfect fit for the Terras.

He added: “He’s natural finisher and goalscorer. We’ve all seen that, albeit two leagues below.

“That doesn’t ever go, that’s something that will stay with him for the rest of his career. He just needs to be in the right team to score those goals.

“I think he’s found that team.”

Weymouth's Wessex Fantasy Football (WFF) has helped finance Goodship's return.

WFF also paid the forward's wages during the 2017/18 season.

Goodship becomes the fifth player to commit to Weymouth for 2021/22 alongside defenders Ben Morgan and Ollie Harfield plus midfielder Andy Robinson and captain Josh McQuoid.