WOOTON BASSETT TOWN F C NEWS

Turner The Man For Bassett - 26th April

Dave Turner, current manager of Pewsey Vale, has been appointed the new manager of Division One West rivals Wootton Bassett Town, and will take the reins at Rylands Way from the start of next season.

Vale boss Turner will take charge of his side for the final time at Cirencester United today, before linking up with Bassett ahead of the new Hellenic League Division One West campaign.

Bassett director of football Chris Jones said: "Dave has done a tremendous job at Pewsey and we were very impressed with his application. "He will bring tremendous professionalism to the post. We offered him ambition here at Bassett and that's what he was looking for. We are aware he still has a job to finish with Pewsey and we respect that. Dave will not be joining us until their season is over. I can also confirm he will bring with him Alan Blake as his number two."

Jones declined to say how many applicants the Bassett job had attracted, but revealed there had been several excellent candidates.

He said: "We had some very good applications both internally and externally. Ultimately it was my decision to appoint Dave, but it was ratified by the committee. We're pleased to have appointed somebody before the end of the season. It shows the players and the supporters we are looking to progress as a club."

Basset Faith In Youth - 11th April

Wootton Bassett Town will continue to put their faith in the kids as they welcome fellow strugglers Banbury United Reserves to Rylands Way tomorrow.

Bassett are still searching for a long-term successor to former manager Paul Burke, with an announcement due within the next two weeks.

Director of Football Chris Jones believes the club must continue to take advantage of its flourishing youth set-up, giving the new manager a platform to build on.

He said: "We have been over the moon with the response we have received so far to the vacant manager's post. Of the people who we have interviewed we have spoken to them about the development of the club. We are proud of the youth system here and we want to build on that for the future."

Burke: Right For Me To Go - 29th March

Paul Burke explains his reasons for leaving to the Swindon Advertiser. "They say life begins at 40 and that's just how I feel after deciding to step down as manager of Wootton Bassett. I go on holiday on Saturday so would have missed two of the last six games anyway, and that played a small part in my decision."

"Even if we had won those last six games 4-0 I wouldn't have wanted to carry on. I could have been selfish, stuck around to play the bottom two clubs, but I think somebody new needs to come in with new ideas."

"Although I'm sad about stepping down I am confident I have made the right decision. It was right for me and right for the football club. I have been a Bassett boy all my life and I really wanted to be the one to take them back into the Premier Division, but I guess it wasn't to be. Maybe I didn't get the commitment from some of the players I was looking for from time to time, but that is the same for any manager at this level."

"The people on the committee at Bassett are good friends of mine and I don't want anything to sour that. Players and managers come and go all the time but they (the committee) are the ones who hold it all together. They have been brilliant to me. Any other club may have got rid of me six weeks ago, but this has been my decision."

"I want to give myself some distance now, at least until the end of the season. My son Euan plays in the under nines and I have been coaching them. I really enjoy coaching the kids and I will look at doing one of my coaching badges in the summer. My daughter Charlotte also plays for Bassett as well as the Wiltshire Centre of Excellence, so this should give me more time to watch her play now."

"Maybe in 10 years time when my boy is knocking on the door of the senior sides I will do it again, but it has got to be right for me and the club. If a number two job comes up in the near future I might consider it, but I wouldn't put my family through being a manager again. This is not the end though. It's a great club and I still want to be a big part of it."

Wooton Bassett Director of Football Chris Jones (right) has taken over first team affairs at Rylands Way, while coaches Rob Hopkins and Bryan Wood will help run the team until the end of the season.

Bassett travel to bottom club Cirencester United today, without the suspended Richie Saunders and Phil Tearle.

Burke Calls Time At Bassett - 27th March

Paul Burke has quit as manager of Wootton Bassett Town. Burke tendered his resignation following Monday's 1-0 defeat to Purton at the Red House, with the team languishing in 16th place in Hellenic League Division One West.

The outgoing Rylands Way chief told the Swindon Advertiser the job had "taken its toll" in recent weeks and is confident he has made the right decision, for himself and the club.

Burke said: "I think I have taken the team as far as I can. I wanted to be the one who took them back into the Premier Division, but I guess it was not to be. I had planned to see out the season and then review it in the summer, to give me time to make a proper decision. But even if we had won the last six games 4-0, I still don't think I would have wanted to carry on. It was the right time."

Bassett-born Burke, who has just turned 40, has been involved with the Wiltshire club for more than 25 years. He first attended a game as a five-year-old, and went onto play for the youth and senior sides before joining the coaching staff. He had been in charge of first team affairs at Rylands for the last three seasons.

Burke will continue in his role as coach of the club's under nines, but says he won't attend another a first team fixture this season.

"I wanted a clean break from it all until next year," he said. "I want to thank the committee for everything they have done for me. This is not the end, though - I still want to play a big part in the future of the club."

Bassett director of football Chris Jones said: "Paul has been a loyal servant of the club for a number of years, the last three as first team manager. He has put an enormous an amount of effort and enthusiasm into the club and for that we thank him greatly."

The club are accepting applications in writing for the position of first team manager.

Plenty To Consider - 17th March

Paul Burke admits he has a lot of summer soul searching to do as he contemplates whether Wootton Bassett would be better of without him.

His side's fighting display in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Headington Amateurs gave him renewed hope for the future - but a disappointing Division One campaign has left him with plenty to mull over.

Bassett are still languishing fourth from bottom though with Burke admitting a lack of loyalty has got him down over the past few months. He said: "We have lost a lot of players this year and there needs to be a lot of soul searching as to why. I have found it really hard to take.,My relationship with people at the club has been top drawer and has got me through but it is not easy when you have players leaving almost every week. I have to consider whether it is my fault."

"The idea is to get this club to finish on a positive this season and then me and the committee will need to think about the future. Is the club's future with or without me in charge? I really don't know."

"Feeling the way I did a couple of weeks ago was bound to get to the boys but I am enjoying it more now. Having said that our reserves was cancelled because we did not have enough players. Even then we struggled getting 14 for the first team because the lads in the reserves had already arranged to go and see Swindon. When I was younger, playing always came first. We will have to see what happens."

Positive Vibes - 27th February

Richie Saunders' first half header was enough to earn Wootton Bassett Town a vital three points against Oxford City Nomads at Rylands Way. Nomads hit the crossbar and the post, but Bassett held on for the win, with striker Neil Matthews excellent in his makeshift defensive role.

The result lifted a huge weight off manager Paul Burke's shoulders after a difficult few weeks in charge of the Division One West under achievers.

Burke said: "That win was much needed. We have seven home games coming up so that's where we need to start picking up the points. I need to be much more positive and I was tonight. The last couple of weeks I have been down in the dumps and that has affected the players."

Bassett Must Fullfil Potential - 22nd February

Paul Burke is desperate for his Wootton Bassett side to find some consistency in Hellenic League Division One West, starting tomorrow away at Pewsey Vale.

Bassett currently lie third from bottom in the division, with just 19 points to their name from the same amount of games.

Despite being one of the promotion favourites at the start of the campaign, they have found victories hard to come by and their cause has not been helped by the departure of a number of key players.

A fortnight ago Bassett highlighted their potential with a 2-1 win over leaders Easington Sports. But it was straight back down to earth last weekend as they put in a poor display to go down 2-0 at the hands of local rivals Cricklade Town.

Burke admits there can be no more excuses for their underachievement. "We are where we are because we deserve to be there, as simple as that," he said. "The consistency just isn't there and I can't put my finger on why it's not.

"It's so frustrating because we thought the Easington game would kick-start our season. But when you're struggling you seem to get punished for every mistake you make, and that was the case last weekend.

"It's a local derby and the games are coming thick and fast at the moment. That's a good thing because if you're doing well you can keep going, but if you're not then it gives you the chance to bounce back straight away."

Happy, Smiley, Faces - 11th February

Paul Burke spent the whole of Saturday night with a grin on his face after his side ended their miserable form in style,with a 2-1 win over league leaders Easington Sports in Sport Italia Hellenic League Division One West.

Goals in either half from Terry Moore and Lee Stoddart helped Bassett to their first league victory since the start of December, and Burke believes it showed exactly what his side are capable of.

"We thoroughly deserved it and got our just rewards for a good performance," he admitted. "The club was a good place to be on Saturday. It was great for everyone involved, and I've forgotten what it's like to enjoy myself on a Saturday night. Their manager said he couldn't believe where we are in the league, but I told him that's been the story of our season.

"It goes to show we can do it, and to beat the team who are top gives us great encouragement." added Burke."If we can perform like that until the end of the season then we'll win more games than we lose. We're looking up a little bit now. We're looking to close the gap a bit but it's only one step on the ladder and it's important we build on it."

Tough One - 8th February

Wootton Bassett boss Paul Burke is praying for a change of luck so his side can turn around their miserable Hellenic League Division One West season.

But tomorrow they face one of their toughest games of the campaign as they entertain league leaders Easington. Bassett have lost five consecutive league games to leave themselves hovering at the wrong end of the table, and Burke admits that confidence is low among his players. "We desperately need to pick up a win," he said. "We've lost our last five, but three of them have been by one goal. We're not miles away from where I want us to be, but we're still not winning matches. We've got to get a bit of luck and have something go for us. Confidence is a massive thing in football and it's something we haven't got."

"We need one to come off someone's ear or backside or something - a messy goal. The ability is there, but we need to start believing in that ability."

Paul Patel, Nathan Perkins and Stu Hemsley all miss out for Bassett, but Rich Willis could play after re-signing for the club.

Burke knows his team are in for a tough test against a strong Easington side. "There's better footballing sides than them but they do everything right and play a simple, effective way," he said. "But we've shown that we can be a match for anyone on our day, so you never know what could happen - our luck's got to change at some point."

Youngsters Boost Burke - 1st February

Although Wootton Bassett boss Paul Burke has had little to smile about so far this season, the recent performances of two of his youngest stars have filled him with encouragement for the remaining three months of the campaign.

Teenagers Jonny Aitkenhead and Phil Tearle have lit up what has, in large, been a disappointing year for Bassett, and Burke is tipping the pair to see off local rivals Malmesbury Victoria tomorrow in the Hellenic League Division One West.

Frontman Tearle grabbed his first senior hat-trick in last week's 3-1 Challenge Cup win over Letcombe, while Aitkenhead has been on top form across the back line. Burke admitted: "They're brilliant prospects, and for both of the lads the sky's the limit. They have both come in and done really well. The three goals Phil scored last week were fantastic. I've been watching him since he was 10-years-old and know exactly what he can do. Jonny is consistent. He can play anywhere across the back four and he looks very comfortable."

Tomorrow, Burke's men travel to a Malmesbury side managed by former Bassett duo Kenny Regan and Lee Marshall.

But he revealed he isn't interested in getting one over his former colleagues. Burke joked: "Not a month goes by without a seven-day approach coming in from Malmesbury for one of my players. But I've got no problem with that - it's just how local football works. Lee and Kenny are great lads and I've got no axe to grind with them - they're the right men to turn Malmesbury around. Regardless of who we play though, I want to win. We've got to start winning, and start winning quickly to turn things around."

Tough Assignment - 18th January

Paul Burke's Wooton Bassett side have a tough assignment this weekend at home to the in form Oxford City Nomads, who have won their last five games on the bounce. The task won't be made any easier by the absences of John Magani through suspension and the injured Nathan Perkins.

However, Burke is another manager who feels his side are lacking only in a bit of luck and confidence in front of goal and he is hoping new frontman Terry Moore can get among the goals sooner rather than later.

Major Community Sports Investment For Wootton Bassett - 10 January

An exciting new Sports Hub in North Wiltshire will provide cricket, football, rugby, tennis and running provision that will be the envy of communities across the South West.

Located on the northern edge of Wootton Bassett, the proposed £6m+ Sports Hub will comprise two key elements:
- An impressive 26-acre development by the Wootton Bassett Sports Association, replacing existing facilities dating back to the 1930s
- The proposed relocation of Wootton Bassett Rugby Club to Ballards Ash

This week, the Wootton Bassett Sports Association is submitting a detailed planning application for its element of the new sports hub, which will replace its existing sports complex at Rylands Way.

The Association's relocation lead, Paul Harrison explains: “Our existing seven-acre site is far too small to support the requirements of our members and the local community. It simply does not have the space to accommodate the 17 teams belonging to the town's Football Club; or the three teams and 50-plus children belonging to our Cricket Club; or the needs of the Running Club members; or the demand for tennis courts from members of our thriving Tennis Club which has 13 teams."

“It has long been our dream to offer all our clubs the resources to play on a single site with the scope to grow, fostering a stronger club identity,” said Paul. “Developed through collaboration with the members, local community, local authorities and national sports bodies and associations, the plans being submitted this week are a once in a generation opportunity to see this dream become a reality.”

The new purpose designed Sports Hub will offer the local community three full size and two junior grass football pitches, an artificial training pitch, eight floodlit tennis courts and two cricket squares.

There will also be enhanced provision for the running club, and attractive meeting and recreational facilities. The Association is funding its element of the new Sports Hub through the sale of its existing seven acre site for residential development. All funds from this sale will be reinvested in the new facilities.

Paul Harrison said: “For a number of years the Association has been exploring the opportunity to relocate to a larger site, providing facilities that meet the needs of the town and our Sports Clubs into the 21st century. Achieving this is crucial to enhancing the legacy of Major Gerard Buxton, who provided the Association with the land for our ground, built some seventy years ago when that site was at the edge of town. We have now outgrown these amenities and need to find a sustainable way of providing the local community with appropriate sports facilities for the next 70 years."

“The Association's Relocation Committee – made up entirely of volunteers – has taken its inspiration from Gerard Buxton in developing plans for our new Sports Hub. We plan to carry forward his name celebrating his vision for the local community.”

The Association has undertaken considerable research in planning this crucial relocation project consulting closely with planning officers, national sporting bodies, the community and other relevant authorities, in developing the plans.

Finding a site that is accessible for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users, as well as those who, by necessity, will travel by car, has been a priority for the Association. The location identified as most suitable is the land north of the B4042 Malmesbury Road, opposite the existing Ballards Ash complex, thus establishing a major Sports Hub for the community.

The plans have also been shared and carefully reviewed by regional and national sports bodies, and the planned Sports Hub has won backing from the English Cricket Board, Football Association, Lawn Tennis Association, Rugby Football Union, and Sport England.

Paul Harrison said: “Our plans submitted this week aim to secure and enhance the legacy of Major Gerard Buxton, providing the facilities that our members and wider community require today, and securing the future of the Wootton Bassett Sports Association.”. . . . . download leaflet

Burke Upbeat Despite Defeat - 7th January

Paul Burke insists a top-eight finish is not out of the question for his struggling side, but the immediate focus for the Wootton Bassett boss is stringing together back-to-back league wins.

Saturday's 2-0 reverse at Tytherington Rocks was not the result Burke was hoping for but the Rylands boss saw enough positives to suggest a revival could be on the cards in 2008. But with a six-point gap to 14th place Clanfield seemingly growing wider by the week, Burke knows he must turn things around quickly.
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He said: "We need to look at progression on a week to week basis now because there is a gap opening up above us. I still think a top-eight finish is not out of the question, but we have to start winning games quickly. There's 54 points on offer until the end of the season so there is still plenty to play for."

"With the exception of Trowbridge we have been away to all the top sides now. In the next few weeks we play some of the teams around us and it's vital to start picking up points."

Burke handed a full debut to youth team midfielder Danny Heath on Saturday as Bassett gave a good account of themselves at promotion-chasing Tytherington. Two defensive errors in an otherwise commendable performance saw the home side snatch all three points, but the visitors failed to add to their paltry tally of 20 goals in 16 games.

"We need to start scoring and quickly," admitted Burke afterwards. "Twenty goals is nowhere near good enough, but at least we are starting to create a few chances now. The dressing room was a much happier place on Saturday, even though we lost, and we must take that spirit and determination into next week."

Moore Time At Bassett - 4th January

Just days after hinting that his time as manager of Wootton Bassett was coming to an end, Paul Burke has underlined his determination to turn things around by signing a new striker Terry Moore.

Moore has been snapped up from Shrivenham, charged with the task of scoring the goals to salvage Bassett's season and Burke's job. The Rylands Way boss neared breaking point after a derby defeat to Purton last weekend, and said after the game: "I don't know where my future lies."

Chairman Mark Smedley has been in Germany since then, but is now back on British soil and poised to hold talks with his first team manager ahead of the Division One trip to top six Tytherington. Burke said: "I will sit down with the chairman tonight or over the course of the weekend and discuss where we are going. But I'm doing everything I can to bring players like Terry Moore in, and I wouldn't do that if I thought I wasn't going to be manager after this weekend. What I said after the Purton game was heat of the moment stuff, but I stand by a lot of it and things have got to change on the pitch.I want to see a reaction from the players on Saturday, I want them to go out there and put in a performance. I'm doing all I can to get things right and by 5pm tomorrow I'll know if the players are too."

Moore goes straight into the squad and Neil Matthews and goalkeeper Sean Purcell return, although Nathan Perkins, Lee Morse and Chris Mills all miss out. Burke has warned fans not to expect miracles from their new signing yet. "Terry's been playing district and Sunday football so he's fit," he said. "We won't expect him to come straight in and start scoring goals for us because he'll need a couple of weeks to get back up to speed. But he's scored goals in the Premier Division and if he's back there playing in a few months time then fair enough, that will mean he's been a success for Wootton Bassett Town."

Burke Threatens To Resign After Loss - 31st December

Paul Burke may be ready to call time on his spell as manager of Wootton Bassett Town, and could also wield the axe on one of his star players, reports The Swindon Advertiser.

What at first looked like a stuttering season for Bassett has never sparked into life, and at the turn of the year they find themselves fourth from bottom in the Hellenic League Division 1 West. Burke's determination to turn around their fortunes is unquestionable, but it appears that Saturday's 2-1 defeat against Purton, and another no-show from midfielder Matty Bennett, may have been the final straw as he considers the possibility of life away from Rylands Way.

"We were poor, but it wasn't helped when Matty Bennett didn't turn up for the second time in four games," he said. "There was no phone call or anything and that is something that has got to be sorted out. I don't know if he will play for the club again. I've had a text message from him, but that's after the game and it's not really good enough."

"I gave him another chance after he didn't show for the Launton game, but how many chances can you give people? It's not fair on the other players. He's letting his teammates down."

Burke admitted he is suffering sleepless nights trying to come to terms with Bassett's poor form this season, and is hoping to discuss the situation with chairman Mark Smedley as soon as possible. "At this present moment I don't know where my future lies," he said. "I'll sit down with the chairman in the next few days and have a chat about it. I feel personally that I am doing as much as I can, but I'm beginning to question whether the players want me there as their manager."

"There's 19 games left and it's all about what is best for Wootton Bassett Town Football Club, not what's best for Paul Burke. If we continue to play like we did on Saturday against Purton then there's only one direction we're going, and that's not up the league. I'm fed up with looking at the league and seeing us fourth from bottom. I don't want to pack it in - I'm not a quitter. But I want the best for the club."

Special Remedy - 27th December

Wooton Bassett Town may have eight games in hand on Division One West leaders Easington Sports, but it will take something pretty special from Paul Burke's men to bridge the 26-point gap between the two sides in 2008.

For a team who had one eye on promotion at the start of the season, Bassett are sitting perilously close to the One West drop zone at the league's halfway point.

Although they may have more games to play than any of their rivals, yesterday's latest setbackin the Boxing Day fixture, a 4-0 reverse at Winterbourne United, will not have done them any favours.

Eye On League - 21st December

Wootton Bassett manager Paul Burke will have one eye on his side's upcoming league fixtures as they face Headington Amateurs at home in the SoccerKits Plus Supplementary Cup.

Bassett are behind most teams in their Hellenic Division One West programme, and Burke admits that another cup tie is the last thing he needs at the moment.

"To have a cup game three days before Christmas is absolutely ridiculous, but I guess we've just got to get on with it," he said. To be honest, we are looking more towards the Christmas games, as we're towards the wrong end of the table at the moment and need to change that. Although I'm taking this cup game seriously, I would much rather have four points from our next two league games.

"Our last three performances have been quite good so we'll try to build on that and make it through to the next round. We've beaten Headington once already this season and although they're a decent side, I would hope that we can get something from them again."

No Grudge - 7th December

Bassett Boss Paul Burke has played down any talk of a grudge match against Regan and Marshall and has wished Vics' new management duo the best of luck in their new venture together.

Though Burke knows there will be no room for sentiment come kick-off time tomorrow. He said: "It's not about me and Ken. People make decisions in life but there's no axe to grind. Any game against Malmesbury is always a tough game. But we just have to approach it like any other game and look to take the three points. I wish them all the best this season, just not in the two matches against us."

Former Bassett boy Martin Thompson will make his Vics debut against his old side tomorrow, but striker Ed Wilkins is suspended. Bassett welcome back Nathan Perkins, Lee Morse, Phil Tearle, Matty Bennett and Paul Patel, while Paul Crabtree and Adam Whitefield are both unavailable.

Meanwhile, Burke revealed striker Dennis King is the subject of a seven-day approach from Shrivenham. "I don't blame Pete Horwat for trying to prize him away," said Burke. "He's missing two top strikers in Alex Green and Steve Avenall so I would do the same in his shoes. I don't want to lose Dennis but early indications are that he wants to stay with us."

King's Reign - 3rd December

Paul Burke believes Dennis King could reign at Rylands Way for years to come after seeing the nomadic striker hit four goals as Bassett romped to a 5-0 win at Banbury Reserves. Twenty-three-year-old King has taken his goal tally to nine for the season and Burke believes he has finally found a club he can call home.

King has plied his trade for the majority of his career in and around the Wiltshire League but, making the step up to the Hellenic League in the summer, has made a quick impression. "Dennis is a winner", said Burke. "I can't remember the last time we have had a striker almost at double figures going into December. He is a goalscorer and hopefully he will be around here for a long time. An ambitious lad and we share those ambitions, it would be great if we could achieve them together.

"Bassett have a group of young players at this club and the spirit is fantastic. I think we are slowly getting there. We have scored nine goals and conceded none in our last two games. Dennis was at Highworth in pre-season but they didn't think he was good enough so we benefited from that. I believe he can call Bassett home now."

King opened the scoring six minutes in as his low cross across the face of goal found the net before Lee Stoddart followed it up, it took until a minute before half time for the lead to be doubled, with King notching his second. His hatrick came when Stu Hemsley put a brilliant ball in over the top of the Banbury defence in the right corner for King to strike a ferocious first time shot on the bounce into the bottom left corner. On 76 minutes, King went one better. Neil Matthews chipped him through down the right, King then cut inside, rounded the keeper and tapped in.

Must Win Trip - 30th November

Paul Burke has labelled Wootton Bassett's trip to fellow strugglers Banbury United Reserves as "must-win".

Bassett are without John Magani, Lee Morse, Paul Patel and Nathan Perkins, but Burke is confident that they have enough quality to take all three points.

He said: "If we're going to distance ourselves from the bottom clubs then we have to win this one. Where we are in the league, we need to win two or three from the next five games to really start moving up. Even though we've got players missing, we've got a good squad and have the players to cover for these situations."

Regan Moves On - 23rd November

Kenny Regan (pictured left) resigned as Manager of Wootton Bassett Town 2nd team on Wednesday morning to take up a position as 1st Team Manager at, an as yet unknown, Sport Italia Hellenic League One West Club. Wootton Bassett Town FC wish to place on record its grateful thanks to Kenny for all his efforts and hard work since his appointment as Reserve Team Manager and wish him well with his new venture.

The Club are extremely pleased to announce that Paul Davis (right) will step up to takeover the manager’s role with Danny Groom remaining as a key part of the Reserve management team. Paul has already played a leading role with the Reserves this season and the promotion to the manager’s position is a natural progression.

This change of management is viewed by the Club as a very positive step, as both Paul and Danny will look to further encourage the development of the players from the Youth team set up and enhance Club spirit between the two senior sides. Director of Football Chris Jones commented “Paul was an inspiration to the younger players during the last couple of years as a player and with having only retired last season will certainly have the respect of all of the younger players. He has already shown this season that he has the ability to make the transition into management and we wish him well on his promotion.”

Bassett Upset The Odds - 29th October

Teenager Phil Tearle was on target as cup specialists Wootton Bassett dumped Sport Italia Hellenic League Premier Division opponents Shortwood out of the SBJ Sports Insurance Challenge Trophy. Tearle, a product of the Rylands Way youth academy, grabbed his second goal in as many starts to seal a fine 1-0 win for Paul Burke's side.

Bassett's league form may be indifferent to say the least, but they have now beaten four teams from higher leagues in cups this season. Highworth Town, Almondsbury and Southern League Bracknell have all come unstuck against Bassett, with Shortwood, who last month knocked Southern League Premier Division Gloucester City out of The FA Cup, the latest victims.

Life Begins At 40 - 26th October

Paul Burke may be officially over the hill after celebrating his 40th birthday this week, but the Wootton Bassett boss insists he still has plenty to offer ahead of the Hellenic League Cup encounter with Shortwood. Burke spent his big day at chimpanzee rescue centre Monkey World in Dorset, but it will be back to the serious business of football at Rylands Way tomorrow.

Bassett were crushed 5-2 at home by Premier Division leaders Flackwell Heath on Tuesday night, and Burke is determined to make amends against Shortwood. He said: "I missed the game in midweek because I'm down on the south coast on holiday with the family. We were leading that match with 10 minutes to go and then Flackwell just bombarded us by all accounts. I think the scoreline flattered them a little bit, but we have to learn to stop conceding goals. If we can be solid on Saturday we will have a good chance, but the injury situation is really killing us at the moment."

John Magani and Paul Patel are both still weeks away from fitness, while on-loan striker Shaun Terry has not been given permission by Hungerford to play. Lee Stoddart is away on holiday and Adam Whitefield is out with a hamstring strain. Teenager Phil Tearle could get the nod up front after scoring his first senior goal for the club on Tuesday.

Looking For Extension - 19th October

Wootton Bassett will hope to extend their winning run to four games as they entertain Old Woodstock Town.

Still missing nine first team players, boss Paul Burke knows they need to get something from the fixture if Bassett are to challenge for honours at the end of the season. "They are a yardstick for us and a good side," he admitted. "They are always around the top six or seven and beat us twice last season. But if we want to finish in the top three we need to pick up points against teams like Old Woodstock."

Faith In Youth - 12th October

Paul Burke will put his faith in youth tomorrow when Wootton Bassett host Wiltshire League outfit Marlborough in the Wilts Senior Cup at Rylands Way.

Bassett thrashed Hellenic Premier side Almondsbury Town 6-3 in the Floodlit Cup on Wednesday night, and Burke is confident of another cup success.

He said: "We showed against Almondsbury that we can be a match for anyone when we get the ball down and play. If we could roll that pitch up and take it with us it would be ideal. Some of the young lads came in and they did brilliant again. We wanted to hold them back until we were on a winning run and now they should grow in confidence."

Hat-trick hero Sean Terry is suspended, as is goalkeeper Sean Purcell and winger Dennis King.

Andy White returns to partner Lee Stoddart up front, while under 18 duo Phil Tearle and Sam Lawro have both been called up.

On Loan Terry Boost's Bassett - 8th October

Sean Terry came within inches of a hat-trick on his Wootton Bassett debut as Paul Burke's men put their recent poor form behind them to beat Clanfield 3-1 at Rylands Way, in The Sport Italia Hellenic League Division 1 West Fixture.

Terry, on loan from Premier Division Hungerford Town, scored twice and created a goal for new strike partner Lee Stoddart as Bassett flickered into life with a sparkling team display. But for a glaring miss from beneath the crossbar midway through the second half, the Bassett-born striker would have taken home the match ball. It was a Terry family outing on Saturday with dad, mum, sister and little brother all in attendance at Rylands.

They only had to wait nine minutes for the opening goal as Stoddart took advantage of a slip by Clanfield goalkeeper Chris Brain and crossed for Terry to head into an empty net. Terry's second came after Brain was punished for handling the ball outside the box, and Terry curled a low free-kick into the bottom corner. The "new boy" then spurned a glorious chance to seal his hat-trick, blazing over from Neil Dix's low cross.

Bassett boss Paul Burke was delighted with the result and the performance of Terry, "To have someone like Sean in the side makes a big difference because his finishing is excellent. Although I'm not sure how he missed that one on the goalline. Maybe his right foot is just for standing on. In all seriousness though, it was a good performance. Jonny Aitkenhead made his debut at right back and did very well, so he will get a run in the team now."

Will Robbie's Mate Entertain Bassett? - 5th October

Paul Burke has challenged celebrity Jonathan Wilkes to sign for Wootton Bassett, as his injury-hit side look to kick-start their season. Reports Anthony Marshall in "The Adver"

Bassett are without nine key players as they entertain Clanfield in the Hellenic League Division 1 West tomorrow.

And on their doorstep they have a midfielder who can say he has scored the winner for England in front of a full-house at Old Trafford. Wilkes, best known for his TV work and being Robbie Williams' best mate, moved to the area last year and currently turns out for KC's in the Wilts League, where he is a regular scorer.

Burke said: "He's a very good player and, living in Bassett, it would be an ideal signing. If he turned round and said he wanted to sign for us then we would jump at the chance, and it would certainly put some bums on seats down here. If he wants to sign he would be more than welcome, but he knows where the football club is - we're not going to go and chase him."

To boost their ravaged squad, Burke has managed to secure the signature of another local lad, Sean Terry, on a month's loan from Hungerford Town. And the boss is hopeful of making the striker a permanent addition to the squad.

"He's struggling with the travelling and has work commitments which is why he cannot play for Hungerford. It's the biggest signing Bassett have made in a long time. He's a proven goal scorer and is a huge talent. We're looking to try and keep him at the end of the 28 days if all is going well. Hopefully he can give the side a boost and we can turn things around.

Burke added, "We're doing some good things at the moment and creating plenty of chances, but just aren't getting the luck in and around the box. Our next two league games, against Clanfield and Oxford City Nomads, are winnable ones. If we could pick up six points the table would suddenly look a lot different."

Humiliation For Burke - 25th September

Paul Burke and his Wootton Bassett Town players suffered humiliation on the south coast as the Sport Italia Hellenic League Division One West club were trounced 12-0 by Sydenhams Wessex side Bournemouth in the FA Vase 2nd Qualifying Round on Saturday.

Goalkeeper Sean Purcell and striker Dennis King were both sent-off as Bassett were buried under an avalanche of second half goals writes a Swindon Advertiser reporter.

Burke (pictured) accepted full responsibility for his side's debacle, but claims matters were not helped by an "arrogant and obnoxious" referee. He said: "I had lots of praise for our great FA Cup run, so I have to be big enough to take the criticism which is going to come my way. I've never been involved in a defeat in double figures before and to be honest I am shell-shocked. The referee was terrible though. He was arrogant and obnoxious and I've never seen anything quite like it in thirty years. My lads were afraid to make a challenge in the second half because they thought they would all get booked."

Burke had no complaints about the dismissal of Purcell for a head-butt, but believes the decision to show King a straight red was harsh beyond belief. He said: "Dennis is not a dirty player. He hasn't got near to fouling anyone and he's been given a yellow and a straight red. The referee was not the reason we lost this game, but he did not make it easy. If anything my players deserve credit for the restraint they showed in the second half. It could have been much, much worse."

Leigh Phillips scored six for Bournemouth and Tom Jeffes grabbed a hat trick as Bassett were crushed by Wessex League opposition for the second time in five days.
Tuesday's 5-1 mauling at the hands of Brockenhurst in the FA Cup has left Burke in need of some positive news. He said: "The club knows how I feel about it but it doesn't stop me from wanting to be a success. I still believe in these players. It is how we respond now that will define our season."

Burke Hoping To Sea A Reaction -21st September

Paul Burke will take a trip to the seaside to "blow the cobwebs out" following Wootton Bassett's FA Cup exit.

The club turn their attention to the FA Vase and a trip to Wessex League Bournemouth, and the manager will use the outing to take a look at some of his fringe players and get Tuesday's 5-1 mauling against Brockenhurst out of their system.

Burke said: "To be involved in the FA Cup and get to the first qualifying round was amazing. But it's over now and it will be difficult to gee them up for this game. The result on Tuesday night was a massive letdown. It's important to use this game to blow the cobwebs out. The lads have got to try and raise themselves again after Tuesday."

Matty Bennett, Paul Patel, Andy White, Lee Stoddart, Ryan Whitfield and Johnny Aitkenhead will all miss out, with Lee Morse and Steve Yeardley unlikely to be risked. Sam Lawro returns to the squad, while Phil Tearle and Neil Dix will be given the chance to show what they can do.

But while the Vase provides an ideal platform for Burke to tinker, it will see them fall even further behind in their Hellenic One West programme. "Come a quarter to five on Saturday some of the teams in our league would have played 10 games, and we've only played five. We really want to get back to the league and start getting some games in."

"So for this match we're just looking to go down to Bournemouth and enjoy it. We want to win because we want to win every game, but we're missing quite a few players so it will be a chance to look at some of the other lads who have been stuck on the bench recently. They should be going into this game thinking this is my chance to get involved and earn my place'. I don't doubt they are good enough to do that and this is their opportunity."

Paul Burke will be in action himself tonight (Friday 21st) when he plays for Wootton Bassett Youth Coaches in a charity friendly against the fathers of Highworth Juniors Under 14s.

The game kicks-off at Rylands Way at 7.30pm, with proceeds going towards Bassett first team captain Steve Yeardley's fundraising efforts for Cancer Research. All spectators will be subject to a £1 entrance fee, as the night aims to raise at least £500.

Burke Gives It Large - 18th September

Paul Burke is confident his Wootton Bassett side can cope with the loss of talisman Matty Bennett to claim another FA Cup scalp at Rylands Way tonight, reports Gareth Moorehouse in "The Adver".

Bennett will be on holiday when the first qualifying round replay against Brockenhurst kicks-off, leaving Bassett undoubted underdogs against their Wessex League visitors. Paul Patel (calf) is struggling and Nathan Perkins is also unavailable.

Eighteen-year-old Scott Large is expected to take Bennett's place in midfield and Burke insists he has every faith in the teenager. He said: "Matty is a big loss but we've got to learn to cope with that. Scotty Large has been waiting in the wings for his chance and I've got no problems throwing him in. He's no Matty Bennett, but he's still only 18 and he has that ability to go past players. This is a chance for him to stake his claim and show what he can do."

Bassett under 18s captain Jonny Aitkenhead will also join the senior squad tonight as Burke looks to blood in another promising youngster. "We've got a few diamonds coming through and it's down to us to give them that chance. We will give it a go and what will be, will be. Regardless of the result, the players have been a credit to themselves and to this football club."

Burke added "I think we're one of just two Hellenic League teams left in the FA Cup so it would be great to go one more round."

Shock Still In The Offing - 17th September

Bassett boss Paul Burke was proud of his troops as they secured a replay at Rylands Way tomorrow night.

He said: "In the first half we were superb and it's just a shame we couldn't score a few more because we had the chances. In fairness, they've come out strong in the second half, scored a dubious goal, and after that it was all hands to the pump. A neutral would say we had all the first half and they had all the second so neither team deserved to lose. The important thing is we've got a second chance on Tuesday night."

A Bassett victory, offers Burke the opportunity to test his team against Maidehead United counterpart Johnson "Drax" Hippolyte's Blue Square South Conference side. "Drax" sprang to national prominence when Yeading lost to Newcastle United live on BBCTV in the FA Cup 3rd Round in January 2005, a loss that was compensated by a double County Cup win at the end of the season. Drax brought FA Cup glory to Maidenhead almost as soon as he arrived at the club, taking the club to a first round appearance for the first time in 25 years.

Is it Basset's turn for national fame this year?. Good luck to Paul Burke and his players tomorrow night.

Can Bassett Spring Another Shock? - 14th September

Paul Burke insists his Wootton Bassett side have nothing to lose tomorrow as they prepare for one of the biggest matches in the club's 125-year history.

Bassett travel to Wessex League Premier Division side Brockenhurst in the FA Cup first qualifying round and the manager is confident his men can cause another upset.

Wins over Wiltshire rivals Highworth Town and Southern League outfit Bracknell in the two previous rounds have raised expectations, not to mention thousands of pounds, at Rylands Way and Burke (pictured) has a spring in his step.

He said: "We know we will be the underdogs but we were in the last two rounds and we came through both. Brockenhurst are a league above us on the pyramid and they are at home which will give them the advantage, but we are not going there just to make up the numbers. Our reserve team game has been cancelled and we're taking a coach-load of supporters to cheer us on. Hopefully we can give them another great upset to shout about and keep this run going."

Burke knows the financial implications of a third win in the FA Cup would be huge for Bassett, with his playing budget set to soar.

The players have also been offered an incentive for a win, not that they will need any extra motivation. "I'm led to believe the players will get a little something if we go through, which is a nice gesture by the club," said Burke. "I know a lot of the lads are going for a night out in Bournemouth after the match, so I'm sure the beer money will come in handy.

"If we were to win we would have accumulated £4,000 in this competition, which is massive for a club of our size. It would really raise the profile of the club and help to recruit players not just this year, but next year as well. It would certainly strengthen my resolve as to where we want to take this club."

Talisman Matty Bennett returns for tomorrow's trip to Hampshire, while John Magani, Nathan Perkins and Lee Morse are also available for selection again. Ritchie Saunders (thigh) and Andy White (holiday) will definitely miss out, while Ryan Whitefield and Chris Mills are both rated 50/50.

Bassett Sunday Cup Upset - 3rd August

Sundays FA Cup Preliminary Round ties saw two Sport Italia Hellenic clubs in action. Molten Spartan South Midlands League Beaconsfield SYCOB and Premier side Hungerford Town shared a goalless encounter at Holloway Park.

The other game played on Sunday saw Division One West side Wootton Bassett Town produce the big `surprise` result in knocking out Southern League visitors Bracknell Town. In front of a crowd of 171, defender Steve Yeardley (pictured) gave the hosts a 15th minute lead. Graham Lewis equalised for the Robins just before the hour-mark but Yeardley, who had only scored once in a pre-season game, put the lower league side through, thanks to his penalty conversion with only 4 minutes remaining.

Don't Look Back - 31st August

Paul Burke insists he won't even take a second glance at the league table on Sunday afternoon when FA Cup action returns to Rylands Way. Wootton Bassett lie a lowly 15th in Division One West with just four points from as many matches, but Burke says league form counts for nothing in the world's oldest cup competition.

Southern League South & West side Bracknell Town are the visitors this weekend and Burke insists his players will be up for the challenge.

"This is a massive game for us. After beating Highworth in the last round we have to believe we can cause another upset," he said."The league table does not make good reading at the moment but we are behind on games because of the cup.

"None of that will matter come kick-off on Sunday though. We've got home advantage and if we can take our chances in front of goal we will be in with a shout."

Adam Whitefield is available for selection again after returning from holiday, while striker Lee Stoddart is expected to shake off a back injury in time to play.

Burke Disagrees with Fisher - 17th August

Bassett boss Paul Burke does not share Fisher's pessimism however, and says the first steps on the road to Wembley are always the most exciting.

"The FA Cup is massive to me," he said. "I never got to play in it as a player, so it will be nice to say I have managed a team in the world's most famous cup competition. It was also a bargaining tool to get one or two players to the club this year because most of the teams in One West are not in the FA Cup. I know Fish would rather be playing a league game, and maybe we would too after losing in midweek, but it's still a big game for us."

The two managers may be at odds over the importance of the Cup, but both have agreed to put last season's spat over Bassett skipper Steve Yeardley firmly behind them. Burke was unhappy to read about a seven-day approach for Yeardley in the Swindon Advertiser but says he will be the first to shake Fisher's hand on Sunday.

"I was a bit inexperienced back then and I said a few things that were out of order," he admitted. "I was just a bit annoyed to hear about the approach for Steve through the paper and not from Highworth. But that's gone now. I respect Fish and what he's done over there. I'm expecting a good game on Sunday."

Bassett will be without summer signings Lee Stoddart and Adam Whitefield. The match kicks off at 2pm.

Burke looking For A Bassett Win By Text! -= 10th August

Paul Burke will follow his side's progress by text message tomorrow when title hopefuls Wootton Bassett Town travel to Headington Amateurs.

The Bassett boss, is on holiday in Swanage and has left the team in the capable hands of assistants Brian Wood and Lee Marshall. From his hideaway on the Dorset coast, Burke is quietly confident his team can deliver victory.

He said: "There's no such thing as an easy game first up, but we could have had a more difficult start. We played Headington on the opening day two seasons ago and won 1-0, so the omens are good. They played in One East last season, which I think is a slightly stronger league, so it will be interesting to see what they're made of this time."

Martin Thompson and Paul Crabree miss the trip to Oxfordshire, while Ritchie Saunders is a slight doubt after picking up a knock in training. New signings Lee Morse, Paul Patel and Lee Stoddart should all make their debuts.

Bassett Set Season Store - 18th July

After a season of under achievement in Season 2006/7, Wootton Bassett Town are determined to put things right in Season 2007/8 with promotion back to the Premier Division after a couple of seasons back in Division One West the ultimate aim.

The season has already started well with the news that the Club are back in the FA Cup and even better have drawn local rivals Highworth Town in the Extra Preliminary Round.

During the summer Bassett have strengthened their management team with the appointment of Chris Jones (right) as Director of Football with the specific objective of enhancing the overall organisation of the Club’s three Senior sides (including the Under 18 Floodlit side). Chris will act as the link between three team managers and Club’s committee ensuring effective communication and providing strategy to playing and coaching style/methods.

Chris will set and monitor guidelines on young player development; set policy and procedure around transition between the three sides as well as targets and objectives for the respective team managers, introducing systems and procedures to measure, assess and review performance against those agreed objectives. The First Team will again be managed by Paul Burke with Bryan Wood again assisting. However, the management team is further enhanced by the appointment of experienced player Lee Marshall (below right) to further assist Paul.

The Reserve Team will again be managed by the duo of Kenny Regan and Danny Groom but will also be augmented with Paul “PD” Davis taking his first steps into management, after many years of representing Bassett in the Hellenic League, as the Reserve Team assistant manager. The intention of the Reserves will be very much on young player development with a number of players who have come through the Clubs flourishing Youth Section expected to make the transition into adult football.

The Under 18 Floodlit side will be managed by former Devizes Town manager Andy Stevens.

Below; Left, Kenny Regan, Centre: Danny Groom and Right: Paul Davis

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