David Oldfield joins Weymouth: What can Terras fans expect?

Oxford Mail senior sports reporter James Roberts joins Dorset Echo colleague Neil Walton for a quick chat about the former Manchester City, Leicester and Luton midfielder.

NW: “What can Weymouth fans expect from David?”

JR: “In terms of the football, I’d like to think Weymouth fans won’t be disappointed.

“He’s quite tactically flexible and City, a real element of their play was high-energy throughout his time there. He likes playing it on the deck and not lumping it forward.

“In terms of the style, whether that fits into the players that are there is another question, it will certainly be exciting.”

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NW: “He mentioned in his interview that he’s flexible, he wants to entertain the fans but wasn’t afraid to say he’d be pragmatic at the right time as well.”

JR: “I think that’s fair, it’s something he’s always very clear about. No two games are the same, obviously.

“He’d do that at City. He liked going with a back three with the wing-backs but if needed he’d also go to a more conventional 4-3-3 with one striker up front and wingers working hard.

“Obviously with the situation Weymouth find themselves in, pragmatism probably comes first. It’s not like he’ll be wedded to a style that’s out of keeping.

“He’s very aware what works for the players he’s got.”

NW: “Just how far do you think he can go in management?”

JR: “It’s a difficult one. I remember – and this is way before I was a journalist, back when I was at school – him taking caretaker charge of Oxford United for one game right towards the end of his playing career.

“He’s clearly always had the attributes. He was in his mid-30s then and he was the one deemed good enough to step up.

“I know he’s worked at MK Dons, Northampton and Peterborough. He’s done his time among the backroom staff. The job he’s done at City was very good.

“I don’t think he’d be out of place at a lower Football League club. It completely depends.

“Weymouth is a different test to City in where they are in the league. It’s two teams where probably the budgets are quite small for their divisions.

“City massively overachieved on that front. Weymouth will be very interesting on that front, but I’d say he could go a division higher.”

Weymouth boss David Oldfield Picture: MARK PROBIN

NW: “Weymouth have given him a two-and-a-half-year contract and it seems to be a shrewd move if he goes on the same trajectory that he had at City.”

JR: “Absolutely. They’d stuttered a bit but they’ve been among the frontrunners all season. Bearing in mind City, since the Conference system changed, have never been in the National League in their history.

“He seemed able to take them somewhere that they’d never been before. It seems like Weymouth are among some very big clubs for that level in the National League.

“If they stay up they wouldn’t be among the promotion favourites but he’ll see that he can progress the squad. He’s the sort of manager that is able to adapt to what he works with and get the best out of a group of players.”

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NW: “Weymouth’s a community-friendly club and he seems to fit in well with that dynamic and ethos.”

JR: “Yeah, absolutely. He’s very keen to focus on the collective, it’s not about what he does, it’s about the whole club.

“Collective is probably a buzz word but that doesn’t just mean players and staff, it means everyone at the club. City have a lot going on outside of football that they should be proud of.

“If there are similar things going on at Weymouth, he’ll be really keen to get behind that and harness a fan base which seems quite good for that level.”

NW: “What can fans expect from David on the touchline?”

JR: “On the times I’ve interviewed him after games, and bearing in mind this wasn’t loads because I’m mainly doing Oxford United, he was often quite hoarse after full-time.

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“He’s a real encourager, not necessarily a ranter and raver, but he likes to prowl the touchline and he’s not afraid to tell players what they need to do better.

“That’s obviously something you’ll find. He knows however well you’re doing, you can always improve. That’s something he takes with him into every game.

“He’ll be hands on, definitely.”