ASSISTANT Paul Maitland revealed the Terras’ coaching staff will be looking at a number of different systems over the course of pre-season, with “flexibility” in the squad a big factor in their preparation.

Weymouth opted for a back three against Yeovil Town in their first pre-season friendly last Tuesday and could line up in the same shape when they take on Exeter City at the Bob Lucas Stadium tonight (7.30pm).

But Maitland, the right-hand man to boss Mark Molesley in what is the manager’s first full season in the job, insists the Terras’ will be using their warm-up fixtures to assess an array of options, and have recruited the right playing personnel to do so.

“We quite like the flexibility it allows us by playing with the three at the back,” Maitland told Echosport.

“We will probably be looking at a three again but, at some point, we may be looking at a four as well – that may be tonight, that may be at the weekend.

“We are well aware that we need more systems over the course of a season.”

He added: “Having players that can play in two or three positions does give you a flexibility but it also gives you a flexibility in the game itself, in that you can change from one formation to another.

“You can flip between systems, which is something we are keen to do because we will need to do that.

“That was in the thinking with some of the players we have signed. As well as looking for the quality, we are looking for their flexibility and seeing what they can or cannot do.”

One man who could line-up for Weymouth against the Grecians this evening is on-loan defender Toby Down, who is likely to face up against his parent club.

Asked about Down’s involvement in the fixture against the League Two outfit, Maitland replied: “I think it gives an opportunity for them to see him live up against players of their level. It also gives him an opportunity to show them what he can do.

“You’d think he would be thriving at the opportunity to put himself forward.”

Josh Carmichael is back available for the home side after missing out against the Glovers last week.

Trialist Jayden Corbridge is ruled out through injury but Maitland is hopeful that he will recover for Saturday’s home friendly against Torquay United.

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