Weymouth assistant manager says every game game 'feels like an FA Cup tie'

Langdown, along with number two Ryan Wilde, stepped down as boss of AFC Totton at the beginning of lockdown following a four-year stint in charge.

Former head of sport science at Crystal Palace and Bournemouth, Langdown has now jumped into his new role alongside manager Brian Stock in the Vanarama National League.

With Weymouth one of the few part-time clubs in the division after back-to-back promotions, Langdown realises the scale of the Terras’ task.

“Everyone’s realistic that this is a tough challenge,” Langdown told Echosport.

“To have the success they’ve had with a double promotion has been a really good achievement for everybody.

“This league really is a different kettle of fish, it’s a cut above the rest and we’ve got to ensure we keep the feel-good factor but push (the players) further.

“Almost every game is an FA Cup tie, that’s how it feels to us.

“In our group we have a chimney sweep, an estate agent, a teacher, a grounds worker – that’s a full-time job.

“It’s a hard ask to do Tuesday, Thursday and battle up against Stockport, Notts County that are proper football clubs with long histories as professional outfits.

“It is difficult but it’s a great challenge to be involved in. We’ve got a really good group and I’ve found them excellent to work with.

“They’ve been really receptive, they want to work hard and they’ve got a good spirit about them.

“We’re going to need that, 100 per cent, to have any chance of competing with the lads that play full-time.”

Commenting on his first few months at the Bob Lucas Stadium, Langdown admitted the lack of spectators has been eerie.

“I’m absolutely enjoying it,” he said.

“It’s a club that’s welcomed me in, with some really good people that understand why they are where they are, the success they’ve had and why they’ve had it, which is crucial.

“It’s alien without the fans, but I know Weymouth and there’s a good fan base.

“If there’s one thing that’s missing it’s the electric atmosphere that fans can generate.

“The thing I was excited about was to play a big part of the coaching staff with the lads playing in front of a good crowd.

“Unfortunately it doesn’t look like we’re going to have it for the foreseeable future.

“From that part it’s not felt like the real Weymouth would but the players are good and it’s a great group of lads that have a good work ethic.”