WARREN Byerley wants to repay the Terras’ fans for the way they stuck by the club last season.

The talented striker, who signed a new one-year deal alongside keeper Tom Manley at last night’s fans’ forum, has also welcomed the appointment of Brendon King and Matt Groves as the club’s new management team.

Byerley netted 25 goals in all competitions in the 2010-11 campaign but despite attracting the interest of Blue Square Bet South duo Salisbury City and Dorchester Town this summer, his loyalty to Southern League Premier Division outfit Weymouth has never been in doubt.

Speaking to Echosport, he said: “Last season was just incredible and I owe much of it to the fans, who are amongst the best supporters I have ever known.

“Despite everything that happened they stuck by the club throughout and at the end of the campaign when we were fighting to stay up they gave us a huge lift when we needed it most.

“The fact we managed to achieve that in the end was just magnificent and for me it will always be right up there as one of my best seasons in football.

“I have not always had the best of luck with injuries but over the past year I have pretty much played every game and to get regularly amongst the goals as well was very pleasing. And they are basically the reasons why I have decided to stay.

“I had a few other options but because I had such a good first year here it seemed silly to move.

“The fans have stuck by me and the team, and I want to repay them by sticking by the club and hopefully helping it push on.”

Commenting on King and Groves, Byerley went on to add: “I am happy with that. It keeps it local and it is good for the financial side of the club as well.

“It is basically win-win for everyone and the players have huge respect for Brendon. Not only is he a winner but he is a good coach, and having played for the club before he is very determined to see it get back to where it belongs.

“I also think Matt Groves is a good appointment as Brendon’s number two because he has quite a bit of experience and knows the non-League game very well.”

With under a month to go until the start of pre-season, King and Groves have been constantly on the phone over the past few days and they are hopeful more players will put pen-to-paper very soon.

King said: “Rob Wolleaston wants to carry on at the club and now it is just a case of sorting out the particulars with him because it is important things are right for both parties.

“Rob is a great footballer and it is just a matter of getting people in and around him, so he can get on the ball and do what he does best.

“I have a couple of targets in mind for that but of course everything will depend on finances.”

Wolleaston struck up a fine partnership with Mike Fowler at the end of last season but the Welshman, who applied for the manager’s job, is unlikely to return.

King added: “Mike is a great player but he lives in South Wales and has his own academy up that way so to ask him to come down twice a week for training is probably a no-go. I also doubt we would be able to get near what other clubs are probably offering him.”

New vice-chairman Mark Coleman hosted last night’s meeting and he is also feeling positive about the forthcoming campaign.

He said: “I am Weymouth born and to be given this role on the board is a great honour, and I am very much looking forward to everything that lies ahead.

“We now have a number of weeks before our first pre-season game and during that time we will all be working hard to attract sponsors to the club and help Brendon get his squad together.

“We have a new commercial initiative in progress with Fred Dunford and Joe Djeebet at the forefront, and we will be announcing plans for a special patrons’ draw at the end of the week.

“There is also an offer on the table from a local business to become the main shirt sponsor, and other things are coming to light too, so it promises to be a very busy time for us all.”

The Terras are also planning to officially unveil a plaque in honour of Bob Lucas prior to their first home pre-season friendly against Npower League Two outfit Gillingham on July 16 when players from yesteryear will all be invited to attend.

The club renamed their ground the Bob Lucas Stadium last July just prior to the lifetime president’s sad passing the following month.