WEYMOUTH manager Bobby Wilkinson admitted he has leaned towards experienced players with a busy early recruitment process this summer.

Wilkinson has wasted no time after avoiding Vanarama National League South relegation on the final day of the 2022/23 season, agreeing deals with ten players.

Eight were announced on a frantic Monday evening when Brandon Goodship and Calvin Brooks returned to the club and winger Joel Rollinson became the Terras’ first new signing.

Goalkeeper Gerard Benfield, right-back Teddy Howe, winger Keelan O’Connell, midfielder Harvey Slade and exciting attacking talent Frankie Monk also committed.

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They joined previous signings Tom Bearwish and Max Hemmings but six players have left including top-scorer Brad Ash, Tom Blair, Harrison Bruton, Nathan Carlyle, Luke Nippard and Cameron Murray.

Speaking to Echosport, Wilkinson admitted the flurry of activity had been a “great start” to his summer business.

“I’m really pleased with the calibre of player we’ve brought in to the football club,” he said.

“Some are old, some are new. When you look at their characters, they understand how we want them to be at Weymouth.

“It’s a good combination of a bit of experience and a bit of new and old. It’s a long way to go but it’s been a great start.”

Explaining his early focus on experience, Wilkinson added: “I like to build a good side but also with experience, people who’ve played in the league.

“Of course, you’ll have one or two gambles with players outside, that will happen before the start of the season.”