PREPARATIONS for next season are well under way, Weymouth manager Bobby Wilkinson has revealed.

Weymouth’s full attention remains on escaping Vanarama National League South relegation trouble this season.

However, Wilkinson’s plans for the 2023/24 campaign are gathering momentum.

While he resisted name-checking players he would like to keep at the Bob Lucas Stadium, he reminded supporters of his preference to stay three months ahead of the game.

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He told Echosport: “What I want people to understand is look at how young the squad is.

“Look at what we’re trying to build, we’re trying to build for the future.

“Next season is up and running, we’ve been prepping really well. We’ve been studying players and doing what we need to do.

“I don’t do it at the end of the season when it becomes a big, fast competition. Every team I’ve built over the years I’m always three, four months ahead.

“We’re working extremely hard behind the scenes to make sure we’re ready for next year and we’ve got the process to build this club to be big again.”

Wilkinson was handed an improved, extended deal to 2025/26 back in January.

Given Weymouth’s struggles in recent weeks, a minority of supporters have questioned the wisdom of granting another long-term contract to a manager following the departures of Brian Stock and David Oldfield.

However, Wilkinson explained to fans his rebuild at Weymouth would not be an “overnight” fix.

He said: “I didn’t sign a three-year deal here for it to happen overnight.

“This isn’t an overnight thing, I’m trying to bring success back to Weymouth and I know it’s going to be difficult at times.

“I know we’re not always going to do the right things. We’re trying to build something, a structure to get Weymouth back on the map.”

Wilkinson would not be drawn on a potential playing style, adding: “I never speak about it, let’s wait (to see) what players we get.

“There will be lots of changes ahead next year. This has not been a normal season this year.

“I came here knowing what a challenge I was up against. Everything you’re seeing right now will be totally different next year because we are in a relegation battle.”