Portsmouth favourite Claridge to make Weymouth comeback

Former Portsmouth and Birmingham City striker Steve Claridge is to come out of retirement at the age of 43 to help cash-strapped Blue Square South club, Weymouth.

Claridge, a former player-manager of the south coast club six years ago, is to play for nothing against Bromley in Saturday's home clash.

Claridge has to date played 1,008 professional games in a career spanning more than two decades.

Weymouth chairman Ian Ridley said: "Steve is coming back to help us out. He wants to get playing again and we need a lift and think he will provide it for us."