VETERAN Tim Sills is excited to see what sort of talents he has on the managerial side of football after agreeing to become Weymouth boss Jason Matthews’ permanent number two.

The 35-year-old experienced striker fought off competition from a number of candidates for the role and, as well as staying on as a player for the season ahead on a one-year deal, he is ready to make his mark on the squad.

The former Aldershot and Torquay United forward has been a part of the Terras set-up for the last 12 months and believes the club offers him “natural progression” to extend his career in football when his playing days are over.

Asked whether management was something he would be interested in when his on-field career finishes, the new Weymouth assistant claimed: “I think I will find that out this season, which is nice.

“I am looking forward to discovering what sort of talents I have that lie there.

“It is something I have toyed with in the last couple years to take my football on a bit further than obviously just playing.

“I was never sure what I was going to do but it’s the right club and Jason is a great bloke. He is learning so much as a manager and, having been there last year, it’s a natural progression for me.

“I have spoken to a few of the players. They have been very positive about me taking the role and it’s great that I know their personalities and the way they play. That will stand both me and Jase in very good stead for managing the squad next season.

“Jase liked the way the lads responded to me. Before, I would always kind of wait to be asked for my opinion because I didn’t want to step on anyone’s toes.

“Now I can be a bit more proactive with it and use that influence in an even more positive way next season.”

Sills and Matthews boast a wealth of contacts from their long careers in the game, and the former believes that can only be a good thing when putting plans into action.

He added: “We have already started working and Jason has used me where he can.

“He is building up his contacts all the time and hopefully we can use our contacts, not just for permanent signings, but also with the bigger clubs to bring in loan players as and when we need them.”

Commenting further on the appointment, Weymouth chief Matthews added: “I am delighted that Tim has decided to be my assistant.

“Quite a lot of people applied for the job but I wanted to keep hold of Tim.

“He is full of experience and is really keen to crack on with the role.

“He knows he probably won’t be playing as much next season but he was someone I wanted around me – when he talks the lads take notice.

“Tim will have a big part to play next season from the side and it also gives me a good squad player.

“Hopefully I can get Chris McPhee on board as well and that will be my coaching team sorted for next season. I feel that we are closing in on a deal for him.”