WEYMOUTH boss John Hollins is still hopeful that Stephen Henderson will be his first choice goalkeeper next season.

The 20-year-old, who has been offered a new deal at Bristol City, enjoyed a two-month loan spell at the Terras last season and was one of the major influences behind the club's successful bid for survival in the Blue Square Premier.

However, he remains third in line at the Robins behind Adriano Basso and Chris Weale, and that is why Hollins is confident he can strike another loan deal.

He said: "I would like to think Stephen will be here. At the moment the plan is still the same but if it does not happen we do have two other options. I actually spoke to City manager Gary Johnson when they were on their way to Wembley and I will certainly be in contact with him again later this week."

Hollins is also keen to bring in an experienced forward after losing out on Steve Fletcher last week.

The former AFC Bournemouth man held talks with the Terras but instead decided to join Crawley Town.

Hollins added: "There are plenty of forwards out there. We obviously cannot compete with some of the sides in the division who are throwing around unbelievable money but we can do other things and there are players we are talking to."

Lewis Ironside has undergone an operation on his ankle, which kept him out of most of last season and Hollins is excited about seeing what the youngster can do in pre-season.

He said: "Lewis will be with us. Hopefully he will come back as a fresh as a daisy and I am looking forward to seeing more of him.

"I have only watched him in one training session and he looked good."

* Former Weymouth loanee Matt Bailey has joined Northwich Victoria.