SKIPPER Stewart Yetton believes that Terras’ assistant-manager Craig Laird will be a vital addition to the backroom staff at the club this season.

The Weymouth talisman has heaped praise on the former Weston-super-Mare chief’s recent work with the side, and believes his influence from the touchline could be a key factor in picking up points in the Southern Premier League.

“For me, one of the most important signings is Craig Laird as the assistant-manager,” Yetton told Echosport.

“He is going to allow Jason (Matthews) more time to concentrate on playing.

“Jason can concentrate on picking the team and saying what he needs to say, and Craig can concentrate on the tactical side of the game and make tweaks from the sidelines.

“Craig and Jase are working really well together and having Craig alone could be worth an extra 10 or 15 points come the end of the season.”

Looking forward to the campaign, the striker also claimed that the new additions to the group have all blended in well, and that the Terras’ impressive displays in pre-season have portrayed their newly-found understanding of each other.

He added: “Performances on the pitch in pre-season have been superb, we have trained really well and we are looking good on and off the pitch.

“The team’s spirit this season is going to make a difference, pre-season counts for nothing results-wise but it does give you the chance to gel and gives you confidence going into the season.

“The way we are getting on and the way we are gelling, that’s going to make a difference from where we were 12 months ago.

“At the minute we have the right mix and the right blend of players. We have a good amount of experience in the squad with Sillsy and McPhee to help some of the younger lads, and we can all learn off of them. There is a good respect around the club at the minute.”

And with his side impressing in the warm-up games, the frontman admitted that it will be a special moment to represent Weymouth in his first full season as skipper.

“I am really looking forward to leading the boys out there,” he added.

“I am proud to be captain at Weymouth, the way the fans and people at the club treat me made me want to stay and being captain was one of those reasons. I think the club is first class and that is testament to everyone.”