WEYMOUTH manager Mark Molesley has hinted at his preferred squad size going into the 2024/25 Vanarama National League South season.

New rules this term mean all National League clubs can make five substitutions and have seven players on the bench for league games.

It means Weymouth can name up to 18 players in their matchday squad, although they currently only have 13 committed for the new campaign.

Asked how many players he would like on the books, Molesley told Echosport: “I think with five substitutions this season, the bare minimum you need is 16.

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“I always like to train with 20 if I can, so we’ll certainly have the sessions filled. Obviously, with the rigours of the season you’re going to need that.

“We will be as competitive as we can be. Previously, I’ve always dipped into the loan market have have good relationships with neighbouring clubs.

“There’s another way of helping get good quality into your group. We’ll certainly visit that, but at the moment I’m very much focused on what’s in the building.

“Then, as we navigate our way through pre-season we’ll look to get the best value.”

Last season, previous boss Bobby Wilkinson used the loan market to brilliant effect, signing the likes of Harry Parsons, Malachi Linton, Harvey Wiles-Richards and Corey Panter.

Weymouth have this summer done permanent deals with Francis Amartey, Corey Jordan, Jordon Thompson, Calvin Brooks, Leo Hamblin and Charlie Rowan, Malachi Linton, Ezio Touray and Brandon Goodship plus Gerard Benfield, captain Tom Bearwish, Keelan O’Connell and Josh McQuoid.