FORMER Forest Green player-coach Jerry Gill is the new manager of Blue Square South strugglers Weymouth.

The former Birmingham City defender was unveiled as the Terras’ new manager - 10 days after Ian Hutchinson was relieved of his duties following a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Chelmsford City.

The 39-year-old, taking up his first managerial role, joins the Wessex Stadium outfit from Blue Square North side Redditch United, whom he moved to in a playing capacity last September.

The right-back, who will be assisted by Andy Harris, includes Yeovil Town, Northampton Town and Cheltenham Town among his former clubs.

And Gill is confident he can help lead the Terras to safety. He said: “I believe I’ve got good man-management skills and hopefully that will help get the best out of the players.

“I came down to Weymouth with Forest Green Rovers last season and although it’s somewhat of a cliché, the club really is a sleeping giant.

“The club has a great fan-base and I want to bring back the good days. As a player I was 100 per cent committed and that’s the minimum requirement.”

Meanwhile, Terras’ owner Rolls believes Gill, who has signed a 15-month contract, will prove to be a “great acquisition”.

He said: “I’m very pleased with the appointment as Jerry’s been a pro at every level. He used to play at the likes of Leyton Orient, Yeovil, Birmingham, Northampton and Cheltenham in the Football League and has appeared for Bath City and Forest Green Rovers in the non-League, so he knows the non-League scene well.

“He’s well thought of in the game and his coaching ability is superb. In fact he’s involved in the youth set-up at Birmingham so he comes with the pedigree we’re after.

“He’s at a good age, and he’s very hungry to do well and help keep Weymouth in Blue Square South.

“He’s ready for the next step, he needed a chance and I believe he’s a great acquisition for the club.

“The contract he’s signed does provide stability but football is all about results. It’s a hard task keeping this team in the Blue Square South but I’m confident Jerry can achieve it.”