BEN Gerring wants to help guide the Terras towards the Evo-Stik Southern Premier Division play-offs next season.

The ex-Plymouth Argyle defender is currently revelling in the new-found positivity at the club and is adamant a top-five finish is not beyond the realms of possibility.

Gerring turned down re-engagement terms in May in a bid to take a look at other options but since returning for pre-season he has been convinced that his future lies at the Bob Lucas Stadium.

The giant centre-back, who is expected to re-open contract talks with the club this week, said: “Even before I went up to Stockport County to take part in a trial on Sunday, I had already spoken to Brendon King (first-team boss) and told him that my first option was Weymouth. “It was only a trial and to be honest it was not what I was expecting at all.

“It was the whole trial game situation which I do not believe gives a true reflection of people’s potential and ability.

“There were a lot of 17 and 18-year-olds there and to be honest I felt like a bit of a bully.

“They made me captain of my team, which was nice, and I started off well but in the last 30 minutes they brought on a load of forwards, leaving me exposed at the back, which really got my back up.

“I have always had a lot of time for Weymouth and I really enjoyed my first year down there, which was all about getting used to my new surroundings and trying to develop as a player.

“I think I have done that now and over the forthcoming season I really want to kick on.

“Since the start of pre-season I have felt a lot stronger and I think that extra bit of experience I now have under my belt is really beginning to count for a lot and will hopefully start to benefit both the club and the fans.

“Obviously, I turned down re-engagement terms back in May but hopefully we can now start talking again and come up with something beneficial for all concerned because I really do believe we can achieve a lot over the forthcoming campaign.”

Following fine pre-season performances against Gillingham, Eastleigh and a West Ham United XI, Gerring has been impressed with the way things are shaping up at the club this summer and is adamant the momentum can continue.

He added: “Last year no one really knew where they stood. There were a lot of off-the-field problems and everything was up in the air.

“However, over the summer a whole new structure has been put in place throughout the club and the first team has really gelled under Brendon and Matt Groves.

“The shape, attitude and discipline of the entire squad has all trebled and with a couple more additions there is no reason why we should not be looking to compete for the play-offs this year.

“A club like Weymouth cannot be settling for mid-table. Instead it should be looking for promotion and that is the example I am going to be setting and hopefully the rest will follow.”

The Terras will return to action tonight when they travel to Bridgewater Town (7.30pm).

* The entire first-team squad will be attending the Terras’ patrons’ draw in the Balti House Lounge at the Bob Lucas Stadium on Saturday (8pm), where they will meet fans and sign autographs.

Supporters will also be able to the collect their season tickets on the night and all are welcome.

The cost of entry for the draw is £99 with the top three prizes being stand sponsorship, one business club membership and match sponsorship for four people.

To enter call Jamie Austin on 07584248719 or Joe Djeebet on 780044 or 07884077878.