STEVE Claridge could be set for a dramatic return to Weymouth.

The former Terras striker is said to be interested in buying a stake in the cash-strapped Dr Martens Premier Division club.

Claridge, who is currently spearheading Division 1 Millwall's bid for promotion to the Premiership, is believed to have discussed a six-figure sum during talks held with Weymouth directors last week.

He was reported today to have discussed a possible £150,000 takeover, which would give him 51 per cent of the shares.

In return, Claridge is expected to become player-manager.

Claridge said: "Obviously I've been following developments at Weymouth with interest over the past few months and I can confirm that I have met with representatives from their board.

"What I can say though is that, whatever my interest is in Weymouth, it's not something that I can pursue right at this moment in time.

"It's safe to say that what we're looking at is quite a long way down the road.

"But it's all very much at a preliminary stage and, other than that, there is nothing more I can add."

Terras representatives today refused to discuss details of their talks with the former Pompey player-boss.

Financial director Dave Higson said: "Members of the board of directors met with Steve in Portsmouth recently although the talks that were held were of an informal nature.

"But we have a duty to listen to what he and anyone else has to say, and anything affecting the future of Weymouth Football Club is taken seriously and debated in the board room.

Steve is obviously still highly regarded at Weymouth and we certainly welcome his interest."

The man who brought the two parties together is sports journalist, author and big Terras fan Ian Ridley.

Weymouth-born Ridley wrote Claridge's acclaimed biography, Tales from the Boot Room and is a regular visitor to the Wessex Stadium.

Claridge, who celebrates his 36th birthday today, left Weymouth for Crystal Palace in 1988.

But after failing to break into the first team at Selhurst Park, he joined the then Fourth Division outfit Aldershot.

He has since enjoyed spells with Cambridge United, Luton Town, Birmingham City, Leicester City Wolves and Portsmouth, making more than 500 appearances and scoring over 150 goals in the process.