WEYMOUTH Under-23s are already “nailing down some principles” in addition to building fitness ahead of the new season, manager Craig Adams has revealed.

The Terras’ under-23 setup has undergone a radical overhaul following the decision of Paul Tapper to step away from the job earlier this summer.

Adams will be assisted by Andy Yates, with input from Ali McGivney, while Ray McNab provides the link to the under-18s.

Adams, formerly a manager at Wellingborough and Bedford, also has assistant experience at Biggleswade and St Ives.

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And the former Northampton Town defender is wasting no time with Weymouth's young crop of talent, having held training already this week at Weymouth College.

Adams, a UEFA A licence coach, explained to Echosport what the sessions entailed.

He said: “The first week and a half, maybe up to two weeks, we’ve got to cut some numbers.

“There will be some players, for one reason or another, that we’re not going to keep.

“It’s to have a look at everybody together and what they bring personally as a player but also as a group member.

“We were nailing down some principles (Monday) night, definitely. We split off into defensive and attacking groups and worked in two sections.

“I’ve got Andy, who’s a B licence coach and Ali who used to be head of academy recruitment at Exeter, Yeovil and Southampton. He’s been helping hugely with some of the young players.

“And Ray is the link between the under-18s and us.

“So, I had the defensive units and Ali and Yatesy had the attacking units. We worked and brought it all together at the end.

“We’re definitely nailing down a nucleus to how we want to play but without going too heavy.”

Adams also stressed his preference for enjoyment over arduous fitness work.

“We’re just working with the ball,” he said.

“I’m not a massive believer in just running round a pitch or a track, or whatever. These lads won’t enjoy that.

“They’re not just aimless sessions, they’ve got agendas and were put on for a reason. One main reason is to look at what we’ve got.

“Then, be fair to the players so they can get off and find another clubs if needs be. I’ll be honest with them.

“We’ve a view to keeping about 20 to 22 players for the season. We have got some youngsters in there aged 16, 17 up to 19, 20.

“It’s brilliant ages for that level of football. By the time they’re 21, 22 they should be pushing for a good level of first-team football if we’re signing the right players.”

Weymouth’s under-23s will again train at Weymouth College this evening before permanently making the switch to Redlands on Monday.

Meanwhile, the under-23s have arranged six pre-season friendlies, beginning with a big test against Wessex League side Bournemouth Poppies at Redlands on Wednesday, July 12.