BEN Gerring is close to securing a return to full-time football but will always be thankful for his time with the Terras.

The ex-Plymouth Argyle man is understood to be in talks with Blue Square Bet North outfit Kettering Town where he would be reunited with former Weymouth chairman George Rolls, although he refused to confirm or deny the speculation.

Gerring told Echosport: “I am in the process of talking to a full-time club at the moment and they have offered me a deal.

“I feel it is the right time for me to take it and in many ways it is a bit of a no-brainer.

“I could have gone to Salisbury City when I came out of the full-time game but living at home and training twice-a-week, I decided Weymouth was the better fit for me.

“I really enjoyed the first season but during the second fitness caught up with me and with all the leagues getting tougher, you really need to train every day if you want to move up the ladder.

“I am still only 21 and my ambition has always been to get back to full-time and now this option has come along to help me do that it is impossible to turn down.”

When asked if his next destination is the Poppies, Gerring added: “I can understand why people would think it is Kettering Town but until I put pen to paper it wouldn’t be right for me to say.”

As Gerring is under 24, the Terras could have re-engaged the defender and commanded a fee for his services but instead a mutual agreement was reached.

Gerring said: “Weymouth will always be where I learned the men’s game.

“I went there as a 19-year-old boy and come out a much stronger man. I learned everything through Wey-mouth and I will always be thankful for that.

“The club has great fans and I am sure it will go from strength to strength over the next couple of years.

“It has a good board in place and the fact Brendon King and Matt Groves are still in charge will also help it progress.

“Having spoken to both of them, they have high hopes for next season and I wish them well. I have no doubts that exciting times are ahead for everyone associated with the club.”

Commenting on Gerring’s exit, King said: “Ben was obviously contracted to us and being under 24 we could have re-engaged him on the same money.

“However, looking at the budget for next season, and the player’s wish to return to the full-time game we decided it was best for everyone to go our separate ways.

“As a club we didn’t want to stand in the way of his ambitions and we wish him well for the future.”