Claridge talks to confirm Weymouth departure

Steve Claridge was today expected to be formally dismissed as manager of Weymouth.

The much travelled striker was scheduled to meet chairman Martin Harrison this afternoon to finalise an agreement on the remaining three-andahalf years of his five-year contract.

Claridge and Harrison both declined to comment on the current situation, though they did confirm that they would be meeting for talks.

However, it is understood that following Weymouth's embarrassing 2-1 defeat in the FA Cup third qualifying round at Thame last night the players were told that Claridge had been sacked.

The former Millwall forward has combined his position at Weymouth with work as a TV pundit, but after missing out on promotion to the Conference last season Weymouth have had a disappointing start to their Conference South campaign and are currently 13th.