MARK Molesley praised Cherries centre-back Sam Sherring for a “fantastic” loan spell at Weymouth this season.

Sherring fought to overcome an ankle problem but quickly forged a solid partnership in defence with both Shaun Hobson and Stephane Zubar.

Sherring has now returned to parent club Cherries, where he works with Molesley in the under-21 setup.

Fellow Cherries youngster Brennan Camp has helped fill the void left by Sherring’s departure, which also enabled Jaidon Anthony’s arrival at the Bob Lucas Stadium.

Commenting on Sherring’s time at the Terras, Molesley told Echosport he would “forever be grateful” for his services.

“He’s gone back into Bournemouth,” Molesley said.

“He’s had a fantastic loan move with us in helping us get promoted last year and obviously the first part of this season. Unfortunately, he missed a little bit through injury.

“He’s gone back in house now and it’s given the opportunity for Jaidon to come and get experience of loan football.

“We’ll forever be grateful for Sam and his impact that he had at us. The club (Cherries) thought he needed to go back.”

Last season Sherring made 35 starts for Weymouth, coming on four times from the bench, as he built a commanding double-act with Zubar.

The Terras’ duo played their part in a rearguard which kept 15 clean sheets across all competitions in the previous campaign.

Dorchester-born Sherring, 19, also trained regularly with Eddie Howe’s first team.