WEYMOUTH centre-back Nathan Carlyle insists the Terras must “remain humble” in their quest to achieve Vanarama National League South safety.

Carlyle has made 38 appearances for the club since initially joining from QPR last season and then signing a one-year deal following his release from Loftus Road in the summer.

The defender played 90 minutes in Weymouth’s 2-1 win over Hampton & Richmond on Tuesday, bringing the Terras within four points of the Beavers.

Weymouth occupy 23rd place and Carlyle stressed the need for hard work in the club’s remaining 20 games.

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Asked how sure he is of avoiding the drop, Carlyle told Echosport: “I go into every game confident thinking we can win every single match.

“It just comes from training. We need to keep our heads down, remain humble, keep training hard as we’ve been doing. That’s all we can control.”

Carlyle was the 11th summer signing for previous boss David Oldfield.

And the 22-year-old admitted Oldfield’s exit was difficult before regaining confidence under new manager Bobby Wilkinson.

“I had a lot of respect for David, he’s a very good manager,” Carlyle said.

“I can’t lie, it was tough at first but the new gaffer’s come in with Mike (Percival) and they gave confidence to the group and myself.

“We weren’t as confident as we’ve shown on the pitch. What they’ve done is give the boys confidence to go out and play.

“Stats don’t lie, under the new gaffer we’ve been doing much better.

“I’d probably say we were underachieving, especially under David.”

After coming down to a National League South club from a Championship side, Carlyle spoke of the differences involved.

“It’s been a good challenge but I’m enjoying it,” he admitted.

“It’s been a bit of an up and down season with the gaffer changing but I think I’ve coped with it quite well, that’s all I can ask for.

“I’ve just been getting my head down, training hard. I respect the gaffer’s trust and I just want to repay him.

“I’ve been quite happy with my performances but I still think I can do a lot more, as can we all.

“The main thing is to keep consistent, do all I can every day and whenever I wear the badge, wear it with pride.”

Weymouth host Dulwich Hamlet on Saturday (3pm).