IAN Hutchinson confessed his disappointment at being overlooked for the Weymouth hot-seat but claims the appointment of Matty Hale is “a great coup for the club”.

The Bridport boss was shortlisted for the job and met with Terras’ chairman Ian Ridley last week for informal talks amid speculation he was in line for a shock return.

But on Tuesday, Hutchinson’s former team-mate Hale was unveiled at the Wessex Stadium as the man tasked with leading their forthcoming Blue Square South campaign.

Despite missing out on a position he sought, Hutchinson remained philosophical and endorsed the credentials of incoming boss Hale.

He told the Echo: “It would have been a massive honour but it might have come too early for me.

“It’s something I would love to do and although I’m disappointed to miss out I’m delighted for Matty, and Weymouth really couldn’t have a better man at the helm.

“He’s genuine to the core and has lots of contacts that should help him to bring in players – it’s a great coup for the club to have him on board.

“I spoke to him to congratulate him on getting the job and have already tried to organise a friendly with Weymouth for a couple of months’ time.

“I never said I wanted to leave Bridport but when that opportunity arose at Weymouth it was something I wanted to follow through.

“The speculation was hanging over me a bit but now it is all sorted I can concentrate fully on things at Bridport where it’s business as usual.”