IAN Hutchinson’s hopes of landing top transfer target Barry Hayles look to be hanging by a thread.

The Weymouth boss is still waiting to hear back from the veteran striker but with Chesham United and Truro City also in the hunt, he is now playing down the Terras’ chances of landing the ex-Premier League star.

The Generals appear to be in the box seat to sign the 38-year-old due to their close proximity to the former Fulham forward’s London home but Hutchinson still remains firmly in the chase.

He said: “I have not heard back from him yet. We are hanging on in there but time is moving on and we have got to do what is best for the club. There may still be a little bit of hope there but I am not too optimistic.”

Meanwhile, Hutchinson is hoping to lure midfielder Rob Nicholls back to the Bob Lucas Stadium.

Nicholls spent most of last season playing for the Terras’ reserves in the Dorset Premier League, before making eight first-team appearances towards the end of Wey-mouth’s ill-fated Blue Square South campaign.

Hutchinson added: “Rob has just returned from a stint in America. He did well out there and impressed at the end of last season.”

Due to financial restraints at the club, Hutchinson’s budget is among the lowest in the Zamaretto Premier Division but it has received a boost of late thanks to loyal fan Ian White, who has helped raise the kitty by an extra £400 per month through his Wessex Fantasy Football initiative.

Hutchinson added: “It’s a really kind gesture from the supporters and big thanks to Ian White. He’s done a lot for the football club over the years, I’ve known him for many years and he is very passionate about the club.

“It’s great that the supporters are doing something like this and we really appreciate the gesture – we can’t thank them enough.

“If this helps us bring in another player then fantastic.”

It is still not too late to join White’s Wessex Fantasy Football competition and help further enhance Hutchinson’s purse. To find out more visit iwfantasyfootball.yolasite.com

* Terras’ fans have been given the chance to bid to become the club’s manager for this season’s Dorset Senior Cup campaign.

Among a list of prizes on offer at an auction at tonight’s Sportsman Dinner, which features former top referee Jeff Winter, is a chance to be the manager of Weymouth FC.

The winner with the highest bid will have an exclusive role at the club in choosing the starting line-up and will give team talks before and after games.

If you are not attending tonight’s dinner at the Bob Lucas Stadium, you can bid by contacting chairman George Rolls at georgerolls@btinternet.com

* Weymouth Reserves’ Magna Dorset Premier League clash with Chickerell United was postponed last night after heavy rain left the Bob Lucas Stadium pitch waterlogged.

* Also falling foul of the weather was Weymouth Wildcats’ National League meeting at Dudley Heathens.