TERRAS’ summer signing Jacob Wannell is eager to be a part of Weymouth’s derby fixtures next season, insisting that he thrives in the big games.

The former Dorchester and Poole Town loanee was released by Exeter City at the end of last term, leaving manager Jason Matthews, who played with Wannell at the Avenue, to swoop for his services on non-contract terms.

And the 20-year-old claims that he is keen to make his mark in the local fixtures against both of his former clubs.

“I am looking forward to both derby games against Dorchester and Poole, they should be decent occasions,” Wannell told Echosport.

“I like playing in big games and I thrive off it, the tension in games like that is brilliant so I will be looking out for those fixtures.”

Embarking on his first full season in the Southern Premier League, the youngster admits he will have to adapt to fixtures coming thick and fast, as well as the physicality of the division.

He added: “I didn’t play many games at Exeter last season. I played a few under-21 games but I am looking forward to getting stuck in to some men’s football now and getting some more experience at that level.

“It’s a completely different game to the under-21s, it’s a lot more physical and you have to think much quicker, it’s a big challenge really.”

Wannell also admitted that he had other offers to play his football elsewhere next season, but taking advice from his agent, the Bob Lucas Stadium was the place where the defender wanted to nail down a spot at full-back.

He said: “There were a couple of clubs that were interested. I spoke to my agent and he just thought that Weymouth would be a great option to start a lot of games and get minutes under my belt, which I need at this point in my career.

“Left-back is my favourite position, I like to get forward and join in with the attacking play. I like to run a lot and get forward to support the wingers and get crosses in.”

Stating his ambitions for the upcoming campaign, the youngster added: “I would like a couple of goals and a couple of assists as well as for the team to gain promotion.”