WEYMOUTH manager Brian Stock has elaborated on the decision not to retain the services of young Saints stopper Jack Bycroft.

Bycroft made 14 starts while on loan, keeping two clean sheets during his time with the National League Terras.

But Stock elected not to renew the deal to keep the stopper, instead opting to bring in loanee Ethan Ross from Lincoln in his place.

Explaining the call, the Terras boss said: “Jack was a big decision.

“We decided to send Jack back to Southampton with our best wishes. He’s a fantastic kid and I think he’s got a bright future.

“I felt it was getting to the stage where maybe a little bit of confidence (was missing) and we needed experience, so we brought in Ethan who’s had that exposure in the Football League.”

Weymouth are currently 21st in the fifth tier with nine points from their opening 16 league fixtures.