CHERRIES centre-back Sam Sherring is "really thankful" for the excellent playing relationship he has established with experienced defender Stephane Zubar, writes Neil Walton.

Guadeloupe international Zubar, 32, himself spent five years at Cherries between 2011 and 2016 and he is currently competing in the heart of Weymouth's defence in National League South.

Sherring, 19, rejoined the Terras for a second loan spell this season after building an integral partnership with Zubar in Weymouth’s Southern League title-winning campaign last term.

And the Cherries teenager, who played three times for Eddie Howe's first team during pre-season, is relishing linking up with Zubar again, revealing the popular centre-half offered him support during the summer.

Sherring said: “He’s a great guy, on the pitch and off the pitch he always talks to me. He’s so experienced and always looks out for me.

“Even in the summer when I wasn’t here he was messaging me, so we get along really well and I’m really thankful for what he does.”

Sherring’s return was announced prior to the Terras’ barnstorming 4-1 win over Chelmsford City and the Cherries youngster also struck the post in a 1-1 draw at Slough Town.

However, an 89th-minute goal from Norman Wabo denied the Weymouth defence a clean sheet in the 3-1 win against Dartford – a factor Sherring is keen to learn from.

On his current stint at Weymouth, who sit second in the National League South, Sherring said: “It’s been good, I’ve been welcomed back quite nicely.

“We’ve done well, luckily I’ve been able to play and we’ve got a good result (against Dartford), a good result last week and we were unlucky not to win in midweek. I’m happy to be back."

He added: “I just want to try and get as many games as I can, as many clean sheets and performances and develop as a player."