STOCK’S CHUFFED TO TAKE ON THE TERRAS
NEW Weymouth manager Brian Stock admits his first steps into management have come earlier than expected but he’s determined to continue the club’s recent success.
The former Bournemouth, Doncaster Rovers, Burnley and Havant & Waterlooville midfielder has big shoes to fill following the departure of Mark Molesley to Southend United on the back of two successive promotions.
Stock, 38, has been coaching in Bournemouth’s academy having retired from playing last year and will lead the Terras on their return to the National League.
“I’m grateful to Weymouth for giving me the opportunity,” he told The NLP.
“When you look at my CV, I’m proud of what I achieved as a player, but there must have been one or two questions asked about taking the managerial reins.
“I’m excited by the opportunity and there’s a real feel-good factor about the club. I’ll be trying to pick up from the great work the previous staff have done.
“The chance has come along probably sooner than I expected but I’m delighted to be given the opportunity to start my managerial career.”
Stock fought off competition from former Salisbury boss Mikey Harris and interim manager Bradley Asagba to land the job.
It’s been a tough few weeks for chairman Ian White and this decision wasn’t easy for him and his board.
“Mark Molesley going was a huge blow to us, a couple of days after we were promoted,” White told The NLP. “I knew Southend were showing interest in him.
“We knew we had to keep a bit of continuity going, and the club’s links to Bournemouth are huge. It’s been hard work, we had about 49 people apply and some very interesting candidates.
“We had to look at the club as a whole and decide who would be best for us to fit in to how we work.”