WEYMOUTH Under-23s will miss keenly their departed manager Craig Adams, goalkeeping coach Rob Marquis insists.

Former Bridport boss Marquis worked with goalkeeper Callum Smalley all season in the under-23s’ setup.

And he was able to see first-hand how Adams operated, describing his style as “positive” and gaining the “respect” of the Terras’ young stars.

Adams this week stepped down following his only season in charge as he seeks a return to senior football.

Speaking to Echosport, Marquis said: “Craig’s done a good job and there’s some good potential there. It’s all about bringing players through for a club.

“I think he’s a very good coach, very professional. He’s done very well and brought on and progressed players very well.

“It was unfortunate with a lot of cancellations due to weather and the pitch had to be protected for the first team. It’s hard on the players.

“Craig’s got a good knowledge of the game and good camaraderie skills.

“His team-talks were very good and he had a lot of respect from the players.

“You know how the coach just stands there and they listen? He had the respect of the team.

“He also was very good at dealing with issues with the team at the right time and in the right way.

“If you had a player that maybe made the wrong decision during the game, or made an error, he wouldn’t call them out.

“He would give the feedback at half-time or after the game in a way that they were told but they weren’t beaten up for it.

“He coached in a positive way.”

Weymouth are imminently expected to announce plans for the new make-up of the under-23s staff.