Nationwide Conference high flyers Weymouth have been boosted by news that captain Ben Smith has signed a new contract at the Wessex Stadium.

The 28-year-old has put pen to paper on a deal that runs until June 2009 and manager Garry Hill is undoubtedly delighted to have his captain commit to the new deal.

"To get Ben to sign until 2009 is a tremendous boost," Hill told the Dorset Echo. "He can see the ambition at the club.

"He is the captain of the team, he is our top scorer and we are looking to try and build a squad - with the full backing of the chairman - that Weymouth can be proud of."

Smith started his career as a trainee with Arsenal and joined Reading August, 1996.

After almost two years with the Royals he signed for Yeovil for an undisclosed fee and went on to make 67 starts for the Glovers.

He then had a short spell with Southend before playing for former Conference side Hereford and more recently Shrewsbury Town.