FORMER Poole Town man Adam Kelly believes that the depth in the Weymouth squad could come into play during this afternoon’s Dorset derby between the sides at Tatnam (3pm).
Kelly, a big player for the Terras in their 2-2 draw with Dorchester Town last time out, was full of respect for the league leaders and his former boss Tom Killick.
But going into the encounter, which takes on such significance at the top end of the Evo-Stik Southern Premier Division, Kelly insists Weymouth’s squad is stronger than that of the Dolphins.
He told Echosport: “There is no beating around the bush, it’s a massive game for us and it’s a massive game for Poole as well.
“I think we have a better squad than them, I don’t doubt that.
“I look at their squad and they have a good starting team but then I look at the bench and I don’t really see any re-enforcements if they are struggling.
“That’s no disrespect to the lads on the bench, I just don’t think Poole have got that depth whereas we have got that experience that has come in and young lads that are chomping at the bit to get in.”
He added: “We have players fighting for places whereas last year players were a little bit complacent and were just turning up thinking they were already going to play.
“If you looked at our bench last Saturday we had the likes of George Rigg, Jordan Copp and Sillsy (Tim Sills). Then we had Tommo (Ben Thomson) out injured and Yettsy (Stewart Yetton) on the bench the week before as club captain, so nobody is guaranteed a place.
“Competition for places is fierce which is what you need if you are going to finish in those play-offs. I have been there a couple of times so I certainly know you need a decent squad rather than just a good starting XI.
Speaking further about Poole, Kelly added: “I know they started running away with it (the race for the title) last year. They went a few points ahead and almost blew up a little bit at the end.
“I have a lot of respect for Tom Killick, obviously I played there and I think he’s a very good manager. He is very intelligent in the way he tries to play against certain teams.
“We will be trying to go there and win the game.”
