Date: Sun 18 Jun 2023

By Steve Whitney

Weymouth Come to Hamworthy's Rescue

Hamworthy United have managed to retain their status at Step 4 in the Pitching In Southern League Division One South, thanks to Vanarama National League South club Weymouth agreeing a short-term groundshare.

Weymouth’s Board of Directors have agreed to offer a groundshare with Hamworthy whilst work is undertaken on installing their new stand at the County Ground.

The club faced the real threat of being demoted back to the Dorset Premier League due to ground grading issues.

Hammers chairman, Steve Mitchener told his club’s website: “I would like to thank Weymouth Football Club, the board of directors, especially chairman Paul Maitland, for their help in securing a ground share option for the forthcoming season, which will allow Hamworthy United to remain at step 4 in the NLS, whilst a new stand is built at The County Ground.”

Terras chairman Paul Maitland added: “When we were approached late last week by Hamworthy and learned how bad their situation was we felt compelled to offer our support for another local side. Less than a year ago we faced the very real prospect of extinction and we needed the goodwill of other clubs and people to carry on, now it is our turn to step up and show the same support.”

Meanwhile, Hamworthy have announced the signing of Steve Walker.

The 33-year-old towering defender spent last season with the Hammers` former league rivals Lymington Town, helping lead them to safety.

He had been with the Linnets since late November 2021.

He returned from Wessex League Premier side Bemerton Heath Harlequins, who he joined in June 2021 following a short sabbatical from football whilst concentrating on his civilian job as a prison officer.

He is a well-known character in the region having had successful spells with the likes of Dorchester Town, Frome Town, Havant & Waterlooville, Blackfield & Langley Portland United and Lymington but is probably best known for his time with Salisbury.

The Hammers have also re-signed Max Buckler for the 2023/24 season.

Buckler returns for his second spell at the club having previously signed ahead of the 2020/21 season and making 35 appearances in the club’s Wessex League title winning year.

Having taken a year out of football, the midfielder has put pen-to-paper for his second stint in a Hammers shirt and we’re glad to see him back.

Buckler started his career with Bridport and a spell with Portland United preceded a brief stint with Dorchester Town before he joined Hamworthy.

Hamworthy United Web Site

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