WEYMOUTH manager Brian Stock has hinted he will not be afraid to utilise players from the club’s under-23s and under-18s this season.

Stock has already fielded Dan Neild, Owen Peart and Troy Walbridge in pre-season, mixing his side with first-teamers and triallists.

The Terras – like so many other local clubs including Dorchester Town, Portland United and Bridport – are hoping to create a path from youth level to the first XI.

And the early signs of that journey being realised are encouraging.

Asked whether he would call on the services of the club’s younger players, Stock was clear.

“That’s what it’s there for,” he told Echosport. “It’s important we have a close relationship with the 23s because we need to know who’s doing well and not well.

“Most likely, that will probably mean going to watch the games. If I turn a blind eye to that then there’s no point in having the system.

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“At this moment in time I’ve not seen enough of their football given the fact we’ve had a pandemic.

“So, quite a lot of my decisions are based on the opinions of others. (The 23s) are something we’re going to be looking forward to, utilising and developing as we go along.”

Commenting on Neild, Peart and Walbridge after beating Portland 6-0 last week, Stock added: “I thought they were fantastic.

“They’ve done six runs at the end which even our fittest players are finding tough, they’ve coped really well.

“They’ve come in and shown composure and a great attitude, run hard and listened to the minor detail which makes a big difference when they go onto the pitch.”