WEYMOUTH new boy Marcus Browning has revealed that it was the chance to become Jason Tindall's number two that swayed his decision to move to the Wessex Stadium.

The former AFC Bournemouth midfielder put pen-to-paper on a one-year contract last week and is optimistic about the forthcoming season.

Browning said: "I was very close to joining Hereford United when I was released by Bournemouth but I talked to Jason and I liked what I heard.

"I have always wanted to go into the coaching side of the sport and that is what swayed my decision in the end. Jason realised what a good thing it would be for me and now I am just looking forward to the start of the season."

Browning began training with the Terras at the start of last month and he believes the squad that Tindall has built has a lot of potential.

He said: "The last month or so has been very enjoyable. Jason has brought in some good young players who can only get better and I have liked what I have seen.

"Pre-season has been very encouraging. On the whole the performances have been pretty good particularly in the first couple of matches and we have just got to keep on top of things and make sure everything is right in terms of preparation for our first league game against Halifax Town on Saturday.

"We are not really targeting a certain amount of points or where we are going to finish we are just concentrating on making a good start and building on from there.

"We have got to go to Stevenage Borough in our third game, who are one of the favourites to go up, so that will be a good early test for us."

Despite looking forward to developing his coaching skills, Browning is still as eager as ever to hold down a first-team place this season.

He added: "I am still keen to play. It will be difficult playing and coaching but I am already learning to manage it and with Jason not playing so much I am sure it will not affect our partnership.

"I have not seen too much of the Blue Square Premier so I am sure the first couple of weeks will be a bit of an eye opener for me. But from what I have seen there does not seem to be too much difference between this standard and the League."