WEYMOUTH forward Aaron Rodriguez has praised the professionalism of the club’s coaching staff going into the new Southern League Premier season.
Rodriguez, who is expected to be deployed in a number 10 role, also feels that results achieved during pre-season have “impressed quite a few people”.
He told Echosport: “I think everyone has found it a lot more professional than they thought. We’ve got four coaches who all go off in groups and do different drills which help us in our game. We are all doing bits to improve.
“Danny Webb films it all and plays it back to us in clips so we know what we need to work on.
“With the games as well as the results we have got it’s impressed quite a few people so it’s all going well at the moment. I think we’re almost there.”
Rodriguez has also backed manager Mark Molesley’s signings, many of whom arose from his contacts at Bournemouth.
“It’s very handy having those sorts of contacts in the under-21s. I don’t think we’re going to be in trouble.
“The players he’s brought in you can tell they want to work hard and improve, they want to do well at Weymouth. The signings he’s made have been very good ones,” he said.
“We have all gelled together quite well as a group and as one whole team really quickly.
“There’s no outsiders and we’re all together. There’s a lot of encouragement, we just feel really strong as a team,” he said.
With the Terras keen to build on last season’s top half finish, Rodriguez admitted the club’s sights are set on a play-off position this campaign.
He said: “I think obviously the play-offs are the main target but with the squad we have got we’re more than capable of doing that.
“It’s just getting that winning mentality in the team really and getting off to a good start.”
Assistant-manager Paul Maitland tasked Rodriguez with building up his physique in the summer and his progress, together with openings in the number 10 position, have left him eager to begin the season.
He said: “When the chance does come along we have got to make sure we take it. We play with two 10s behind the striker so that will be my position. I’m looking forward to it and can’t wait to get going.
“During the two months I’ve had off I’ve been in the gym a little bit. With the training we have got into it’s helping. I’m a bit more well-equipped than I was last season that’s for sure.”
Photo: Steve Harris
