WEYMOUTH manager Mark Molesley stressed “the loan market will be vital” for the Terras ahead of the upcoming Vanarama National League South season.

Weymouth are turning to the loan market due to a summer of inflated deals for players in the local area, caused by increased competition from a host of clubs between Steps 2 and 4.

During his first spell with Weymouth, Molesley made high-profile signings with the likes of future Bournemouth stars Jaidon Anthony and Mark Travers coming to the club.

He also signed players who were released by the Cherries at a young age, such as Jake McCarthy, Ollie Harfield and Brandon Goodship.

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So far, Weymouth have signed 13 players on permanent deals for 2024/25.

However, with the advent of five substitutions permitted in the coming campaign, and matchday squads of 18, Weymouth are expected to make more additions.

Molesley hinted he would prefer up to 20 players at training and Weymouth have a handful of triallists at pre-season.

Ahead of Weymouth’s first friendly at Hamworthy Recreation tomorrow (7.45pm), Molesley highlighted the importance of loan players in his recruitment strategy.

“It’s gonna be key,” he told Echosport.

“I think it was an important part last time and we forged a great relationship with Bournemouth.

“The record we had of loans and how we used it and utilised it was quite unrivalled.

“It was probably a milestone for a lot of clubs who are trying to recreate that themselves.

“We’re certainly going to have to revisit that. We need to get those relationships up and running again, because they’re so key.

“There’s so much to benefit from on both sides. We’ve got to steal any advantage we can, and utilise that.

“It worked well but it has to be with the right players. This is a very unforgiving league.

“With needing a larger squad and the budget constraints, the loan market will be vital.”