WEYMOUTH manager David Oldfield stressed new assistant manager Tom Donati will be a “very important part” of the Terras’ plans going forward.

Oldfield welcomed the former Watford, Peterborough United and Cambridge United head of academy coaching to Weymouth’s ranks on Saturday for the 1-0 loss at Stockport.

Donati and Oldfield worked together at Peterborough United in the 2017-18 season when Oldfield was assistant to boss Grant McCann.

Oldfield later undertook the caretaker manager role when McCann left the Posh, and his working relationship with Donati at London Road will now be rekindled.

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Donati has experience in the dugout with Peterborough Sports and Haverhill Rovers, in addition to his time as manager of Charlton Ladies and London Bees in the women’s game.

He joined Weymouth on Saturday from his Bournemouth Under-15s manager position and Oldfield is enthused by the ex-Barnet Under-18s manager’s arrival.

Oldfield told Echosport: “I’m pleased to welcome Tom to the club. He’s a very good coach and a very good person and will certainly help our situation.

“He’ll be involved with the boys and really help us as a group going forwards. He’s already very important.

“I know Tom from my Peterborough (United) days previously and that’s where the connection comes from.”

Weymouth have enjoyed a solid tie with Dorset neighbours Bournemouth for the past five seasons, and Oldfield envisages that the relationship will continue after Donati’s appointment.

He said: “We want to work closely with Bournemouth as well.

“There are many high-quality people at Bournemouth and we want to progress ourselves as a club. Tom will certainly be a very important part of everything we do.”

Terras manager Oldfield also hinted he could remain heavily involved with warm-ups and warm-downs, adding staff roles would be undertaken “collectively”.

Weymouth next host Halifax on Saturday, March 5 (3pm).