GOALKEEPER Simon Evans has struck a deal to return to the Bob Lucas Stadium.

The ex-Dorchester Town stopper, who came through the youth ranks at the Terras, agreed terms following Saturday’s pre-season friendly victory at Portland United where he played 73 minutes before being replaced by youngster Chris Povall.

With Tom Manley still undecided on his future due to work commitments, Evans looks set to start the campaign as Weymouth’s number one and boss Brendon King is pleased to have gained the 24-year-old’s services.

He said: “I have spoken to Simon and offered him a deal and everything has been agreed.

“He is a decent keeper and his kicking is also good so I am glad to have him on board.

“Things are also pretty much sorted with Ben Joyce and I will be sitting down with him again after Saturday’s home game against Bristol City (3pm).”

The Terras travel to Hamworthy United tonight (7.45pm) and King is hoping for a similar display to the one he witnessed at Grove Corner.

He added: “It will be pretty much the same squad again with maybe the addition of one trialist but we’ll just have to wait and see on that.

“We will probably change that starting XI a bit by giving some of those that didn’t start at Portland a run and hopefully we can put on another decent performance.

“At this stage it is just about getting the fitness levels up and getting some game time under our belts.”

New-signing Barry McConnell will again miss out this evening. King went on to say: “Barry is still away on a trip that had already been arranged before he signed for us. He is due back on Saturday night so his first run out for us will come next week.”