CRAIG Adams has explained why he stepped down as Weymouth Under-23s’ boss, while hailing his players as a “tremendous” group to work with.

In his only season in charge, Adams led the Terras’ youngsters to third in the Hampshire Combination and Development League before a runners-up finish to Laverstock & Ford in the league cup.

Adams spent around 90 minutes in a meeting with chairman Paul Maitland to discuss his future and plans for the 23s going forward.

However, the former Wellingborough and Bedford boss made the tough decision to step down as he seeks a return to senior football.

READ MORE: Craig Adams steps down as Weymouth Under-23s manager

Reflecting on his tenure, Adams told Echosport: “At the start of the season we had a lot of 16-year-olds and what we tried to do was develop.

“The league position was brilliant and we got to the cup final. We’ve developed players that are going to continue with the club.

“That’s what Bobby (Wilkinson, former manager) asked me to do. I’m just glad I’ve had a hand in that and hopefully Mark (Molesley) and the other guys can benefit.

“In six months’ time, these boys might be ready to do a job for a fraction of the price, that’s one thing that’s going to benefit the club.

“It’s a tough one, because I did enjoy it. The players were tremendous human beings, an absolute pleasure to be around.”

Divulging more on his meeting with Maitland, he added: “When I went in, I’d kind of made my mind up.

“Paul proposed a few bits and I was swung a little bit, so it was a tough decision but we’ve parted on really good terms. He’s left the door open for the future if it fits us both.”

Among Weymouth’s plans for the under-23s are to bring the squad closer to the first-team setup.

The 23s will train in pre-season at the same venue as Weymouth’s senior squad, while a handful of the best rising stars, including Callum Smalley and Kelson Pollard, will be in sessions with the first team this summer.

There is also the possibility of a bus being laid on for travel to under-23s away games, instead of a convoy of cars.

Addressing his decision to step down, Adams added: “I get on well with everyone and I’ve loved working there.

“But the setup of the schedule within the league, and it’s not a pop at the league, there’s just not enough games to keep the players on board.

“I had a real tough job. We only played 16 games and seven or eight cup games, so over the course of the season it was tough.

“There was no product for them to express themselves and help them develop. I did struggle with that.

“You can’t arrange friendlies around the schedule because the games just get called off in the morning.

“We had three or four called off because the teams due to travel to us couldn’t get enough players that wanted to travel, or couldn’t get away from school or work.

“I struggled at times personally to comprehend the fact that we’re not (a priority).

“Paul’s knitting everything together behind the scenes, he knows the club inside out and knows a couple of my frustrations.

“Long-term it’s not for me. I personally feel it would suit a young, up-and-coming coach doing their badges.”

The future of Adams’ backroom staff remains unclear, however.

Assistant Andy Yates is expected to continue and possibly expand his role as Weymouth’s community officer, while goalkeeping coach Rob Marquis is also on the books.