WEYMOUTH couldn't have a harder start to the season, according to Steve Claridge.

The Terras boss reckons tomorrow's curtain-raiser at Hednesford Town will be one of the Dorset side's toughest games in the Dr Martens Premier Division this year.

And despite all his years of Football League experience, the player-manager admits he is slightly nervous ahead of the clash at Cross Keys tomorrow, kick-off 3pm.

He said: "Things have gone really well in the pre-season and I can't wait until tomorrow when all our work will be put into practice. A lot has been said over the summer but the talking will stop come three o'clock and we'll finally be underway at last.

"I've always said things wouldn't be turned around overnight but there has been real progression over the past couple of months and the signs look good for the future.

"But competitive matches are totally different to friendlies and that's why I'm bit apprehensive at the moment. I just hope everyone does themselves justice

tomorrow.

"My assistant Neil McNab watched Hednesford a few weeks ago and he was impressed by what he saw. They played a lot of football that day and he thinks they'll be up at the right end of the table this season.

Claridge added: "Given we're playing three fancied teams in Newport, Nuneaton and Tiverton after that, we couldn't have asked for a tougher start.

"But we've assembled a good squad of players at the club and although I'm not saying we're going to win the league or anything like that, I can promise fans we'll have a good year and they will be entertained."

Speaking before Weymouth set off for Staffordshire this morning, Claridge said himself, midfielder Lee Phillpott and defender Jamie Impey would all undergo late fitness tests ahead of the clash with the Pitmen.

"It's unfortunate it's looking like I won't have a full squad to choose from but things could change between now and then. The squad is full of experience and the great thing nowadays is teams will look at the players we have and fear us rather than the other way round," he said.

Dozens of Terras fans are set travel up the M5 to back their side in the Midlands and Claridge reckons they will have a big part to play.

"I've heard that quite a few people are travelling, many of whom haven't done so for quite a while, which is fantastic. I hope we can get people feeling part of their club again and it's certainly true they can act as the proverbial twelfth man.

"Expectation levels are very high around the club and the town and they should be. I want to give Weymouth a team to be proud of and, fingers crossed, we'll get off to a good start tomorrow," he said.