LEADERSHIP is a quality that Terras’ defender Jamie Laird believes will be vital throughout the course of the campaign, as his side fire up for their Southern Premier League opener at home to Hunger-ford Town today (3pm).

The central-defender, a former skipper at previous club Weston-super-Mare himself, believes that the Weymouth dressing room is packed full of influential figures and, equally importantly, winners.

Manager Jason Matthews openly admitted his squad lacked experience at the end of last season.

But with the acquisition of Laird, former Tiverton captain Shane Krac and vastly experienced duo Tim Sills and Chris McPhee, the defender is confident the Terras have the know-how to seal success.

“I really believe in the squad we have got and hopefully we can do well,” the 25-year-old told Echosport.

“Being in and around the players in that changing room, every one of them is a winner, and going into the season, credit must be given to Jason for the squad he has brought in.

“We have a few young lads too so it is good for them that there are a lot of leaders in the dressing room. There are some big characters with that winning mentality, hopefully that will bode well for the season ahead.

“I know you can’t tell a lot from pre-season and it counts for nothing but from what we have done so far, there are only positive things to talk about really.”

Laird also praised the strength of the Terras’ ranks both on and off the field, and admitted he was delighted to be reunited with his father Craig as Matthews’ number two.

He added: “I worked with dad at Weston, at Bridgwater, and at youth level.

“To have him coming in and helping us to play in the style that Jason wants us to play in takes the pressure off Jason.

“With the quality that we have throughout the squad, even if we have a few injuries and suspensions throughout the season, those that can come in will do just as well. The strength in depth we have is really good.

“We have a tough start and most teams in this league will be a test, but hopefully we can get a good start and kick on from there.”

*The deadline for entry into August's Wessex Fantasy Football League closes at midnight tonight.