WEYMOUTH manager Bobby Wilkinson likened shaping his squad to playing chess as he prepares to face Braintree Town at the Bob Lucas Stadium tomorrow (3pm).

Earlier this week, Wilkinson cut defender Ben Gerring from his squad and the Terras’ boss revealed he is working “round the clock” to bring new players in – preferably with experience.

However, the task is proving difficult due to several factors, including training during the day.

Speaking to Echosport about his quest to improve the Weymouth squad, Wilkinson gave an insight into his efforts.

READ MORE: Ben Gerring exits Weymouth with immediate effect

He said: “The squad’s coming together quite well. We still want one or two men in there, we’re looking.

“It’s very difficult to bring the right personnel in if you can’t train during the day. We’ve taken a couple of gambles that hasn’t worked and some that have.

“It’s a little bit of chess at the moment, trying this move, trying that move. Eventually it will settle down to a 16 or 17-man squad when we’re happy we’ve got what we needed.”

And with the FA Cup first-round replay coming up at AFC Wimbledon, Wilkinson feels his current crop of players must earn their spot in the side for that tie.

He said: “I never talk about a game after a game. It was a little mention that who’s going to fight for their spot to be in that wonderful FA Cup game?

“But, our main priority – and I made this clear to the boys – is (tomorrow) – let’s get some points, get on the board and start climbing this table.

“If you do well Saturday and get the win, you can keep your shirt for Tuesday.

“It’s not every day you get to go and play at Wimbledon in an FA Cup replay, what is going to be a very special night.

“I want to go into that game with momentum after a win at the weekend.”

Luke Nippard (knee) is nearing a return and is likely to come back for the AFC Wimbledon replay, while Tom Blair is available after suspension but Teddy Howe (knee) is out.

Matty Burrows and Frankie Monk are nearing loan deals away from the Terras to maximise their match minutes in senior football.