WEYMOUTH have announced David Oldfield as their new permanent manager on a two-and-a-half-year deal.

Oldfield, 53, joins from National League South side Oxford City after a spell of 22 months with the Hoops.

Talks are still ongoing over Oldfield’s backroom staff, with current goalkeeping coach Jason Matthews in the frame to fulfil the assistant role on Saturday at Boreham Wood (3pm).

Oldfield succeeds Brian Stock, who parted ways with Weymouth on Wednesday after a run of seven straight Vanarama National League losses.

The former Manchester City, Leicester and Luton midfielder took training at Wimborne’s New Cuthbury ground this afternoon.

READ MORE: Weymouth contact Oxford City amid David Oldfield interest

He joins with the Terras in 21st position in the table and 23 games remaining.

Dorset Echo: David Oldfield took training this afternoon at Wimborne's New Cuthbury ground Picture: MARK PROBIN/WFCDavid Oldfield took training this afternoon at Wimborne's New Cuthbury ground Picture: MARK PROBIN/WFC

Speaking to Echosport, Crewkerne-based Oldfield said: "It's a very exciting time, I'm very pleased to be here.

"It's a club that has a really strong fanbase and we want to really try and build on that enthusiasm and support that the club garners in the town.

"We want to be a really important factor. I know it already is, but I want to re-emphasise how important that is within the community of Weymouth and Dorset and how we want to tap in even more to that.

"I know it's a big project and I know we have some work to do, but we are looking forward to the challenge. 

"We need to make sure we're all pointing in the same direction to make it work together."

On the challenge facing him at Weymouth, Oldfield added: "There are some very big budgets and big clubs in the league.

"Weymouth did fabulously to be here and we need to make sure we're doing all we can to retain that status. 

"It's a massive challenge, there's no doubt about that, but we need to make sure everybody's engaged. 

"We can do it. They've demonstrated their ability within the group. We need to make sure we are giving ourselves the best chance with the right decisions at the right time.

"I am keen on a collective group effort going forwards. We need to make sure we feel better, irrespective of results.

"I'm very respectful of what's happened before. It's a great club, with a great history and we need to make sure we're now drawing a line and trying to progress."

In a club statement, Terras’ chairman Ian White said: “Really pleased that David has joined us.

“I am really looking forward to working with him and together I am certain that we can turn the club’s fortunes around on the pitch.

“His pedigree speaks for itself and I know he will be up for the challenge.”

Non-executive director Mark Palmer, who was instrumental in the deal, added: “A big welcome to David.

"This is an exciting time for the club both on and off the pitch, as David brings with him a wealth of experience, know-how and energy.

“This is certainly a new and exciting era for the club under David’s tenureship and I know he is looking forward to both the short-term challenges and helping to fulfil the longer term vision of the club and building something special here at Weymouth.”

Oldfield was previously assistant to Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink at Burton Albion and QPR and has twice had caretaker roles at Peterborough United.

Oxford City director of football Justin Merritt said: “David goes with our thanks and we wish him well for the future.

“He leaves the team in great shape and the club remains fully focused on our continued progression.

“There is now a fantastic opportunity for someone to come in and continue to take us forward.”