Brice buys his way out of Yate Town to join Weymouth

Yate Town's player of the season Scott Brice has quit the Lodge Road outfit to join Blue Square Conference South side Weymouth – and then took a swipe at his former club.

The 22-year-old former Bristol Rovers trainee from Bishopsworth signed a one-year-deal on Tuesday night after a late approach from Weymouth's new manager Matt Hale.

"I have to say that originally I was going to join Tiverton Town because I had spoken to them and verbally agreed a deal although hadn't signed anything," said Brice.

"But then Weymouth called me and offered me a deal I just couldn't turn down. I'll be playing at a higher level, at better grounds and in front of bigger crowds and it will be a bigger shop window for me to play in."

Brice decided he wanted to leave Yate after they were relegated from the Southern League Premier Division last season but as he was under contract and under the age of 24 the south Gloucestershire club were entitled to demand a transfer fee.

"Yate Town told me that I would cost £1,500 so I bought out my contract for £500," added Brice.

"I had four good seasons at Yate and could not believe that they insisted I pay up that money. That has burnt a few bridges with them and left a bad taste in my mouth."

But now Brice, who joined Rovers as an eight-year-old and stayed until he was released ten years later, is relishing the chance of helping Weymouth re-establish themselves after a torrid season, both on and off the pitch.

"There is a bunch of players at Weymouth from Bristol and Bath so we will be training at Bath," explained Brice.

"Coach transport for home and away games will also go from Bath so that will help a lot. I'm looking forward to the new challenge."