ADAM Kelly is geared up for Weymouth’s imminent Southern Premier League campaign, and insists that competition for places will be vital for the club’s quest for success this term.

The midfielder spent a month of the summer travelling Indonesia before reporting back with the majority of his team-mates for pre-season training this week.

Commenting on the opening session, Kelly told Echosport: “It was really hard, I spoke to all the lads after it and they were all tired and exhausted, we did a lot of running and circuits.

“It’s all about getting match fit and getting up to speed for the upcoming friendlies. We have got a beach run tomorrow as well, which will be tough but it’s good preparation.

“It was great to welcome the new lads in and Jason (Matthews) has made some great signings. He’s also got a couple more that he is looking at.”

Kelly, who has had success at an array of non-League clubs, believes that Matthews’ current Weymouth crop has the pedigree to deliver promotion.

“I definitely think we should be pushing towards the top five and the play-offs with the players we have in the squad,” he added.

“I gained promotion from the league with Salisbury three or four years ago and I think this team is as good if not better, as long as we get a couple more players in we should be good to go.”

And with new acquisitions on board, the midfielder believes that he will have to do his utmost to secure his spot in the Terras’ starting XI.

He claimed: “Last year you almost knew the team before you turned up, but this year there is real competition and you have to play for your place. That’s the main thing in a team that is pushing for promotion.

“I will be giving it my best shot and, hopefully in pre-season, I can prove to Jason that I should be starting.

“I just want to make sure I nail down a place and help the squad get towards the top five.”

Weymouth Supporters Association’s Claret and Blue lottery results for June: 1 James Curtis (Portland), 2 William Taylor (Weymouth), 3 Kevin Banks (Weymouth).

Elsewhere at the Avenue, Dorchester Town believe they will not receive a sell-on fee for striker Ben Dickenson who has signed for Gillingham from Brighton.

Magpies’ club secretary Dave Martin told Echosport: “As far as we understand, the transfer fee that Gillingham have paid Brighton is less than we received originally from Brighton.”