hellenic football league news and reports

WOOTTON BASSETT TOWN FC NEWS

Carter At The Double - 7 May

Shaun Carter earned a clean sweep of first team awards at the Wootton Bassett Town senior section presentation on Saturday, receiving both the Players’ Player and Manager’s Player prizes following an outstanding season for the centre half.

In his fourth season with Bassett, Carter made 32 appearances in all competitions and helped ensure his side’s defence finished with the third best defensive record in the uhlsport Hellenic Division One West. Carter’s year began somewhat inauspiciously as he was hauled off at half time of Bassett’s FA Cup extra preliminary round tie with Calne Town after conceding a penalty in an off the ball incident. But, as departing manager Dave Turner emphasised, this led to the veteran defender knuckling down and demonstrating for the remainder of the campaign why he is one of the best centre backs in the area.

Following another successful season for the Reserves, in which Simon Paish’s team finished 5th in uhlsport Hellenic Division Two West, Mike Yates picked up their Players’ Player award thanks to his classy, assured displays at the back. Long serving, industrious midfielder Tyron Connolly was handed the Manager’s Player trophy.

It was a fantastic year for the Development team in their inaugural season too as they finished 3rd in Wiltshire League Division One, while also reaching the final of the Fountains Trophies Junior Cup, which they lost 2-0 to NALGO Wanderers on Saturday. Top scorer Lewis Petrie, who wound up with fifteen goals, received the acclaim of his peers, picking up the Players’ award. Meanwhile, promising midfielder Aaron Dainton, who also made a handful of first team appearances in 2012/13, was awarded Managers’ Player by joint bosses Dave Terry and Wayne Petrie. Tom Titcombe picked up the Development team’s Clubman of the Year award.

Chairman Andy Walduck received the overall Clubman of the Year award for his tireless efforts of the field.

Turner Explains His Reasons For Bassett Departure - 4 May

Dave Turner insists the time was right to leave Wootton Bassett after a successful five-year stint at Rylands Way, but admits he could still be at the helm had the club not agreed a ground share with Southern League Cirencester.

The 51-year-old and assistant Andy Brien parted company with Bassett on Tuesday having twice guided their team up from uhlsport Hellenic League Division One West and taken them farther than ever in the FA Cup and FA Vase.

Turner was adamant that he had made the right decision to walk away and admitted he could even have exited much sooner.

“It’s just the right time for me,” he explains in the Swindon Advertiser. “When I went there five years ago there was a three-year plan to get them up and keep them up. That panned out but then we got the demotion and I should have walked then, but being quite a loyal person I decided to stay and get them back up, which I did. I’ve had a great time there. Over the best part of five years I’ve had terrific support. I think the committee are happy with what I’ve done for them and they have said some very nice things about me. The players have been magnificent, but things change and people move on. When you do anything for five years you’re bound to not have the same enthusiasm and drive. It was harder and harder for me to motivate myself every year and I feel that perhaps it was the same from the committee’s point of view. You get comfortable with people and perhaps they need a new direction.”

With Bassett leaving Rylands Way to ground share with Cirencester next season - ahead of a move to Ballards Ash - Turner admitted the prospect of that commute had played a significant role in his decision. “Travelling backwards and forwards to Cirencester for home game is a big commitment,” he said. “Having to pay my petrol there and back would have cost me a lot of money over the course of the season. If we had sorted out a ground share with Supermarine then I might have still been there.”

Turner is keen to return to management and has already had enquiries about his services, and the former Pewsey Vale boss says few local leagues are off-limits. “If the right job came up then I’d jump in tomorrow, but they don’t just come up overnight and I knew that when I handed in my resignation,” he said. “I’m not looking to jump from Bassett to anything, it’s got to be a project I can believe in. As long as it feels right and I feel I can give them something then I’m not hung up on whether it’s Wilts League, Southern League or Hellenic League. I’d be disappointed if teams didn’t show an interest in me off the back of what I’ve done, but if it doesn’t happen then I’ll take it on the chin.”

End Of Another Era As Turner Stands Down - 1 May

After five successful seasons, Dave Turner has decided to relinquish his position as first team manager at Wootton Bassett Town.

During his time at the helm, Turner guided Bassett further than ever before in both the FA Vase and FA Cup and to two promotions to the Hellenic League Premier Division, the second of which came this season with the team finishing runners-up in Division One West.

The former Pewsey Vale boss joined Bassett in the summer of 2008, and after overhauling the playing squad, he immediately turned things round following a disappointing 2007/08 campaign. Victories over Buckingham Athletic, Henley Town and Kidlington secured a place in the FA Vase second round for the first time in the club’s history and a memorable day out away at Wimborne Town. The team were also in the hunt for promotion from Division One West, but finished fourth, four points behind Oxford City Nomads. There was cup success in the Wiltshire Senior Cup too, with Bassett making it to the semi-finals where they lost to Warminster Town.

Turner made sure his team went one better a season later. Just three league games were lost all year, and a mighty nine game unbeaten run to conclude the campaign ensured Bassett would finish second, missing out on the title to Slimbridge only on goal difference.

It meant Bassett were finally back in the Hellenic Premier Division for the 2010/11 season. Turner’s team made an extremely fast start to life in their new surroundings, securing a famous 2-0 derby victory over Highworth Town alongside wins in the FA Cup against Bradford Town and Almondsbury UWE to earn a place in the first qualifying round. A tricky mid-season run saw Bassett find themselves in a battle for survival, but late season comeback victories against Witney United and Ascot United helped seal a creditable 15th place finish. However, ultimately Bassett were to be demoted due to ground grading issues.

Despite this setback, Turner – much to his credit – decided to remain at Rylands Way in order to secure an immediate return in 2011/12. That was almost achieved too thanks to a late season surge, but two defeats in the final three games meant a fifth place finish, six points behind third place Winterbourne United, who would gain promotion to step five.

There was to be no disappointment this past season, however. Enjoying one of their finest seasons during the club’s time in the Hellenic League, Turner guided Bassett to the FA Cup second qualifying round courtesy of home wins against Calne Town, Hamworthy United and Highworth Town. The reward was an away tie at Conference South Dorchester Town, which – although lost 4-0 – saw Turner’s team put in a highly creditable performance. In the league, Bassett were rampant too. A two horse race quickly emerged in Division One West, with Bassett fighting Brimscombe and Thrupp all the way for the title before eventually finishing as runners-up in the club’s final season at Rylands Way.

Throughout his tenure, Turner’s teams have always been competitive, with one consistent feature being the quality of the defence. In the four seasons he managed Bassett in Division One West, his sides twice finished with the second best and twice with the third best defensive records.

Commenting on Turner’s resignation, Wootton Bassett Town Chairman Andy Walduck said: “I know Dave will be missed by the players, supporters and backroom staff. He has been one of the most successful managers at the club, which we all thank him for greatly. We also say good bye to Andy Brien, Dave’s number two. Andy has been fundamental to our successes this season. Dave and Andy make a balanced pair within and outside the dugout.
“Dave has confirmed that he’s not moving on to a new club, but needs some time off to review his priorities; I don’t think it will be long before he is snapped up. The club would like to wish Dave and Andy every success moving forward and we hope to see them back at the club in the near future. It goes without saying that the pair will be a hard act to follow, but with new facilities on the horizon there is something special happening at the club right now.”

Anybody interested in becoming first team manager/coach and being part of the club’s future, should contact Head of Senior Section Chris Jones on 07774 851563.

WBSA Secures Substantial Sport England Grant - 20 April

Wootton Bassett Sports Association have secured a £300,000 grant from Sport England, which will go towards the development of the Association’s new £6 million facility opposite Ballards Ash.

Specifically, the money will be used to fund a full size artificial 3G pitch that will be available for the football club as well as other sports throughout the year. Speaking to the Gazette and Herald, relocation manager Paul Harrison said: “A lot of the funding for the new development has come from the sale of the Rylands Way site to Persimmon Homes, but obviously this grant from Sport England is a huge help. The new artificial pitch will be there for all of the different sports clubs to use and we’re hoping to encourage the nearby rugby club to make use of it for training. League rules mean that the first team of the football club wouldn’t be able to use it as their pitch, but there’s nothing to stop youth football and other sports from using it. Work on the project has been going on for ten years now and it’s been a challenge but we’re getting closer. We’re hoping to begin building work by the end of the year at the new base.”

Football club chairman Andy Walduck was similarly enthused by the news, commenting: “I’m so pleased that Sport England have confirmed their support towards our relocation project by awarding £300,000 from their Improved Facilities Fund, which will allow the Artificial Grass Pitch to be constructed at our new facility. This demonstrates we are moving forward. Currently we are putting the finishing touches to the clubhouse design as well as reviewing our operational needs for our senior teams covering the next season. Exciting times are certainly ahead”.

No Criticism Of Team - 15 April

Dave Turner refused to criticise his Wootton Bassett players despite their home 3-0 defeat to Lydney, in the last ever Saturday match at Rylands Way.

After securing a promotion place last weekend Turner (pictured) wanted to put on a show in what was the final Saturday 3pm game before the club make the move away from their spiritual home. However two goals from Jared Liddington and one from James Morse ensured Bassett were well beaten in difficult conditions, but despite admitting he was not happy with the display Turner couldn’t say a bad word about the players who have performed superbly for him all season.

“I’m not happy with the way we sent the ground off, but I can’t fault any of my players because they have been magnificent all season and have given so much,” he said. “I said to them afterwards I wasn’t even going to think about the result because it was a funny game, and there are no complaints. They had four shots all game and scored three goals and we had one shot and scored no goals, and although conditions didn’t help they played them a lot better than we did. They deserved to win and we were poor so hats off to them.”

The Bassett squad enjoyed a few celebratory drinks together after the game, and while Turner didn’t expect it to play a part in the match itself, he admitted his players may have relaxed too much having already secured promotion. “We met up for a few beers after the game, and I reckon the anticipation of that meant it was a bit of an after the Lord Mayor’s show scenario in the end,” he said. “If we had needed points I am sure we would have played an awful lot better, but there is no way I can be critical because they have been superb. I didn’t expect it and I thought we would come out and relax and play well, but the pitch didn’t allow it because it was very boggy.”

Despite the disappointment Turner admitted it would take an awful lot more than one defeat to dampen the good feeling around the club following a season where they also progressed further in the FA Cup than ever before. “It’s a happy place and we have done the hard work, and when they have needed to step up they have done that every single time,” he said. “You can perhaps forgive them for taking a foot off the gas, and I will never criticise them. There is no shame in losing because it was only our fifth loss in 28 games, so it hasn’t been a bad season at all really.”

Saturday Swansong - 12 April

Wootton Bassett play their penultimate, and final Saturday, game at Rylands Way, Dave Turner considers the meeting with Lydney the last ‘proper’ fixture as it is on a Saturday.

Bassett’s final match before their temporary move to Cirencester’s Corinium Stadium next season will be against Malmesbury on Tuesday, April 23, a Division One West clash that Turner sees as playing a supporting role to tomorrow’s main event. “This is much more important as it’s the last Saturday game and we’re going to toast ‘the Bassett bobble’ afterwards,” said Turner. “We asked Malmesbury if they would be prepared to move their game to a Saturday and for reasons only they know, they declined, which is their prerogative. I’m old-fashioned and I think the first and last game of the season should be played on a Saturday. We asked them in the correct manner and they didn’t want to, so we’ll play them on a Tuesday instead.”

Bassett have already secured promotion to the Hellenic Premier Division, subject to final ratification from the Hellenic League and the FA, and could technically keep their title hopes alive with three points against Lydney. However, Brimscombe & Thrupp’s vastly-superior goal difference means they have the championship all-but wrapped up, plus a draw or win for the Gloucestershire side at North Leigh Reserves on Monday would officially seal the deal.

Turner is missing the suspended Richie Saunders tomorrow while Bolton fan Adam Corcoran has been given permission watch the Trotters play at Bristol City. “He never misses a training session or a game, so he goes with my blessing,” said Turner. “The only question is, why Bolton? I suppose you can’t help your football team.”

Broadside At Manager - 8 April

Wootton Bassett chief Dave Turner celebrated earning a promotion place to the Uhlsport Hellenic Premier by firing a broadside at rival boss Gary Powell.

The Swindon Advertiser reports, Turner was left enraged by Press quotes attributed to the Tytherington manager following Rocks’ 3-0 win at home to Bassett on March 23. The Rylands Way boss wanted to wait until his team had secured promotion from Division One West - which they did on Saturday thanks to a 2-1 victory at Lambourn - before hitting back.

He was annoyed by Powell’s comments which read, “we have performed well against the so-say bigger teams” and “we absolutely played them (Bassett) off the park... it was embarrassing”.

Turner replied: “We’ve never called ourselves a big team so that was out of order in my opinion, but what really got to me was that he said it was embarrassing. There are periods where we’be outplayed teams in games but I’be never called an opponent embarrassing. I’d be more embarrassed having a load of big-time ex-Southern League players who don’t perform week-in, week-out. He needs to look at his own players. You need to earn the right to shout your mouth off and he hasn’t done that.”

Turner was so infuriated by Powell’s comments that he read them out prior to Saturday’s victory at Lambourn, a move that worked exactly as he had intended. Although the visitors fell behind in the 18th minute after Matty Pedder finished off a decisive break, Shaun Terry lashed in a Tom Dingle cut-back moments later to level matters. Eight minutes into the second-half, goal machine Mark Barnes slotted home the winner after racing through on goal. Barnes and Terry had further chances, while a Lambourn effort hit the crossbar, but Bassett held on.

“It’s great to win promotion and I’m just pleased to be over the line,” added Turner. “Most of all I’m pleased for the players because they are a terrific bunch of lads. We stayed out for a couple of hours after and we’be got a couple of dos planned for later on. We’re having a session after the last game at Rylands on Saturday and we’re also going away for a weekend in Newquay.”

As with all club's Bassett’s promotion out of Division One West is subject to Uhlsport Hellenic League approval. Although mathematically Bassett are not out of the title race, Brimscombe & Thrupp’s 3-2 win over Purton and hugely superior goal difference means only a near-miracle will see the title wing its way to Wiltshire.

Be Professional - 5 April

Dave Turner has urged his Wootton Bassett players to be ‘professional’ as they aim to secure promotion from Division One West tomorrow.

Bassett can guarantee their Hellenic Premier status in 2013/14 with victory at Lambourn, although if Tytherington drop points at North Leigh Reserves the Rylands Way side would also go up. Boss Dave Turner doesn’t want to rely on the Tytherington result, though, and is hoping that his players will be able to get the job done in Berkshire. “It’s hard to put promotion out of your mind because it’s such an important thing,” he said. “Division One West is such a hard division to get out of and to do it for the second time in four seasons would be a great achievement. You can’t say it’s not on our minds but we’ve just got to be professional and try and see it out. To be in this position with four games to go is incredible, but if we didn’t see it out our season would all be for nothing.”

Lambourn might be well off the sort of pace Bassett are setting, but Turner has warned his squad not to take Rob Clark’s men for granted. He said: “I watched Lambourn last week and was very impressed with them. We’re a match for anyone on our day but if you need a reminder that anyone can beat anyone, look at Malmesbury over the last couple of weeks. It’s not going to be easy and we’re going to have to earn it. If I was in the Lambourn changing room I’d be saying, ‘let’s make it difficult for them’. It’s not personal, it’s just how it is.”

Striker Steve Robertson is on holiday but otherwise Turner has a full squad to choose from.

Barnes & Smith Gunning For Golden Boots - 3 April

While Wootton Bassett Town’s first and reserve teams find themselves battling it out for final league positions at the right end of the table, both teams also have prolific forwards currently sitting at the head of their divisions top scorers’ chart.

mark barnes hellenic league football In Division One West, Mark Barnes (left) has enjoyed a stunning first season with Bassett, netting 25 goals in 24 games. It says something about the year he has had that, up until last Tuesday’s win against New College in which he scored twice, he had gone a month without finding the back of the net, but still had not been nudged out of top spot in the race for the Golden Boot.

For the Reserves, live wire youngster Lee Smith (18 goals in 14 games) has turned into a scoring machine, and were it not for games missed would likely have broken the twenty goal barrier by now. While both currently head the charts, pressure is mounting on the pair to maintain their positions from other Hellenic League hotshots.

Barnes has three rivals to contend with. Brimscombe and Thrupp’s Mike Beckingham (22) has hit a rich vein form with eight goals in his side’s last seven league contests. Tytherington Rocks’ Joe White, scorer of a brace against Bassett recently, also sits on 22, while basement outfit Letcombe’s Alex Bruce is in the frame with 21.

Smith’s main challengers are Andy Boot (Brimscombe), Shane Bumphrey and Jack Smith (both Cirencester Town Development) and Harlie Price (Cheltenham Saracens).

Not since 1989/90, when Damon York topped the Division One scoring charts with 25 goals, have Bassett had a player finish the season as division top scorer. This year could potentially see them having two forwards slip on the Golden Boot.

Promotion Today ? - 1 April

Wootton Bassett could win promotion to the Uhlsport Hellenic Premier Division by the end of today, though they are not in action themselves.

Dave Turner’s side do not have a fixture today but if Malmesbury Victoria beat Tytherington in South Gloucestershire then Bassett will be playing at a higher level next season.

tom cole hellenic soccer wootton bassett Bassett boss Dave Turner said: “It's a double-edged sword. Part of me would love to seal promotion on the pitch, but if that’s not what happens, it won’t make it any less meaningful because we will still have had to accrue the points. If it’s away at Lambourn or at home the game after then that's fine, but if things go our way on Monday then we'll be absolutely delighted too. It would be wonderful if Malmesbury were to win at Tytherington but it's a tough place to go and get points.”

Turner also expressed his sadness after Tom Cole (pictured) snapped his Achilles in training with Southern League Swindon Supermarine, an injury that is likely to keep him out for the start of next season.

Cole is dual-registered at Marine and Bassett and Turner said: “He’s such a nice lad, he never misses a training session and doesn’t moan when he’s on the bench. “His attitude has been magnificent and young players should look at how he conducts himself.”

Basset One Win From Promotion - 27 March

Wootton Bassett are just one win away from a return to the Uhlsport Hellenic Premier Division after an entertaining 4-2 victory against New College last night.

Mark Barnes, who had gone over a month without a goal, put the hosts in front after just four minutes. College's Lee Toomey equalised in the 10th minute, before Barnes struck again just before half time.

Two goals from defender Liam Edmondson in the second half seemingly put the outcome beyond doubt, but Nathan Blackford’s late penalty made for a nervous final 10 minutes, but there proved to be far too little time remaining for a New College comeback.

Bassett need to gain three points from their remaining four fixtures to secure second place and a promotion spot. Mathematically Tytherington Rocks are the only club that could overhaul them, but it would mean Rock's having to win their remaining six fixtures and Bassett taking less than two points and losing a four goal advantage in their coming games.

End Of An Era Countdown - 25 March

While all is set for an exciting conclusion to Wootton Bassett Town’s 2012/13 campaign, the season’s culmination will be a sad one too as the club draws the curtain on its time at long time home Rylands Way.

As the club for their long-planned move to a new, state of the art facility on the edge of town, Bassett have agreed a two year ground share agreement with Cirencester Town, beginning next season. Thus, just three games remain for Bassett’s first team on the hallowed, bobbly Rylands Way turf, starting with Tuesday night’s visit of New College Swindon.

The final two matches see Dave Turner’s team, who are still in the hunt for the Hellenic League Division One West title despite Saturday’s reverse at Tytherington, host Lydney Town on Saturday April 13th before local rivals Malmesbury Victoria visit on the final night of the season on Tuesday April 23rd. It would be memorable to bring the Rylands Way era to an end with a first league title since 1987/88, though promotion back to the Hellenic League Premier Division will provide more than enough to treasure. Fortunately, two of the final three fixtures will be local derbies, so it is hoped reasonably sized crowds will be on hand to cheer the team on while paying a last visit to a ground that has seen a lot over the years.

Hopefully some final, special memories can be created on the pitch too.

Last fixtures at Rylands Way:
26th March – First Team v New College Swindon (7.45pm k.o.)
30th March – Reserves v Fairford Town (3pm)
1st April – Reserves v Cricklade Town (3pm)
13th April – First Team v Lydney Town (3pm)
14th April – Ladies v AEK Boco Ladies (2.15pm)
16th April – Reserves v Shrivenham (7.45pm)
23rd April – First Team v Malmesbury Victoria (7.45pm)

Following Saturdays' game, which was the only one to survive the weather throughout the league, boss Dave Turner fears he may have ‘handed the title’ to Division One West rivals Brimscombe & Thrupp. The Rylands Way chief saw his side lose 3-0 at fellow high-flyers Tytherington on Saturday and believes his decision to not get his players in for training the previous weekend, when they were without a fixture, could have played a part in the defeat.

As a result of the loss to the Rocks, Bassett are now six points down on Brimscombe with five games left. However, they are still hot favourites to grab the second promotion spot in the division and get promoted to the Hellenic Premier.

“The pitch was magnificent and we were just beaten by the far better team all-round,” said Turner. “I take some of the blame for that because I gave the players a rest last week, which was a calculated risk and it backfired. My mistake might have handed the title to Brimscombe, which is a shame. With hindsight I should have got them in. If anyone, blame me, I need to look at myself which I’m happy to do, sometimes you have to take responsibility and there are no fingers pointed at my players. I’m happy to do that and if not then I will blame my number two, Andy Bryant.”

Season Not Defined This Weekend - 22 March

Wootton Bassett may be just one win away from promotion to the Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division, but boss Dave Turner says their season will not be defined by this weekend’s clash.

Bassett travel to Tytherington Rocks tomorrow, who alongside Fairford (who do not have a fixture this weekend) are mathematically able to overhaul them for the second promotion spot, but three points for Turner’s men in South Gloucestershire will see the race ended. Nevertheless, the boss is playing down the importance of tomorrow’s meeting with the Rocks. “We aren’t going to put pressure on the players, we’ll treat it like any other game,” said Turner. “Saturday is not going to define our season, win, lose or draw, I fully expect us to see the job through. If we can win, brilliant, but it’s not the end of the world if we don’t. “We’ve got enough games left to get the points we need. We aren’t looking behind, we’re looking up. They have to win all their remaining games and we need to lose five out of six having only lost three all season, and I don’t see that happening.”

Turner is relishing the prospect of tomorrow’s fixture and feels it will be one of his side’s toughest tests. “This will be one of our most difficult games of the season,” he said. “I said at the beginning of the season that Tytherington would be in the top three and I still believe that. I genuinely believe if they had had a better start then they could have won the league. They have beaten Brimscombe and I have the utmost respect for them.”

James Turner is the only player missing for Bassett this weekend with everyone else available.

Debut Goal - 11 March

steve robertson hellenic league football Steve Robertson scored on his debut as Wootton Bassett Town took another step towards promotion out of Uhlsport Hellenic League Division One West.

Robertson (left), newly-signed from neighbours Highworth, converted the first of Bassett’s goals in the 2-0 victory over visitors Hook Norton. Second-half substitute Shaun Terry played his part in Robertson’s 58th-minute opener, putting in the cross that the former Elms hitman nodded home. Hooky had a player dismissed with 10 minutes left and in the closing moments, Terry wrapped up the win. On his league debut, left-midfielder Jake Hayden delivered a fizzing cross that went past almost everyone in the box and the experienced front man was there to knock it in from seven yards.

“It was a solid, professional performance,” said Bassett boss Dave Turner. “It was quite close, and even though it was 0-0 at half-time I just felt we were slightly better and a lot more likely to score. It was a really good team performance for me. A lot of people worked hard and it was a horrible surface to play on. On a better surface we would have had a couple more goals. The better team won and we deserved the three points. Our keeper didn’t have a save to make in the whole game so we were definitely dominant. Two more wins will definitely see us there (to promotion). We’ve lost three games in 24 and needing two more wins is without others dropping points. I just can’t see us slipping up.”

Turner also hailed the options at his disposal after several players impressed him in particular. “Jake Hayden has been at the club for a while and played in the AM Print & Copy Floodlit Cup a while back, but I decided to play him from the start and he did really well,” said the boss. “Tom Dingle was injured and you ask people to come in and grab their chance and Steve Robertson has put in a really good performance. James Turner went off suffering a dead leg in the first half but I was able to bring Richie Saunders on, so we’ve got that strength in depth.”

Bassett To Ground Share With Centurions - 8 March

Wootton Bassett Town will ground share with Cirencester Town from the beginning of the 2013/14 season after agreeing a two-year deal.

cirencester town stand Wootton Bassett are looking for a temporary base after selling their Rylands Way site for housing to Persimmon Homes. A new hub for a variety of Wootton Bassett sports clubs is being developed at nearby Ballards Ash just south of the M4. Wootton Bassett RFC, who sold their Stoneover Lane ground to Taylor Wimpey, have already moved and the football, cricket and tennis clubs will use land opposite the rugby facility at Ballards Ash, bringing the entire site up to approximately 40 acres. Wootton Bassett Town FC expect work to start on their new ground at the end of the current season.

Cirencester are to plough the extra cash into an extension to the club’s Barbican Suite and the fitting of a new environmentally friendly boiler and heating system. “We have been talking to Wootton Bassett since last summer but have only just signed the deal,” said Centurions chairman Steve Abbley in the Swindon Advertiser. “Their Persimmon deal was done five years ago but had been put on hold due to the financial climate and has only recently been resurrected. We have signed a two-year agreement, although Wootton Bassett are hoping to move into their new home around Christmas 2014. They will play at least a season and a half at the Corinium and that includes all their pre-season games. A confidentiality agreement prevents me from revealing how much rent we are getting but it is a chunky sum and more than (previous tenants) Gloucester City used to pay us.”

Bassett manager Dave Turner says he is pleased that the deal has been agreed between the two parties while he has been focusing his attentions on the Bassett first team. “I know it's been going on in the background but I don't know too much about it in all honesty,” he said. “I understand there have been a few things to iron out. My focus hasn't been on that, it's been on the playing side and that takes up all my attention. I'm more than happy to leave the matter of where we play to someone else. That said, it's a nice play to go and play football.”

Bassett have signed forward Steve Robertson from Highworth and expect him to go straight into the squad for this weekend's home game against Hook Norton in Division One West. Shaun Carter is 50-50 but dual-registered Tom Cole should be available and Shaun Terry is back from suspension. “Hook Norton are a good little side. They were leading the league at one stage and have been in the top side for most of the year,” said Turner. “Like us they like to try and play and all the games are tough now with seven to go. Sometimes pretty football goes out the window and it becomes all about getting the result.”

Turner is hoping that his team's near neighbours Cricklade Town can help them out as they go in search of the title as well as promotion, as Cricklade play leaders Brimscombe & Thrupp this weekend.

“Brimscombe have been magnificent all season and have a record very similar to ours,” he said. “I've said all along that I'd like to be in a position to capitalise if they slip up, and if Cricklade can do us a favour then I'll be over the moon, but I won't hold my breath on that one. We're trying to hang onto Brimscombe's coat tails and it's tough.”

Manager Purrs With Contentment - 4 March

Wootton Bassett's One West win at Letcombe was one that left Dave Turner purring, and the side nearer to securing an automatic promotion slot.

“What a great bunch of players I’ve got, their character is unbelievable and they don’t know when they are beaten,” he said. “The players that stayed on the pitch were magnificent to a man. I knew we had some grit but they took it to another level on Saturday. With 10 men we were holding our own, but Adam Corcoran still put his body on the line with one of the best saving tackles I’ve seen this season.”

On Rob Saunders’ dismissal, Turner said the referee had made the right decision. “I can’t defend him,” said the boss. It was a bad tackle and he deserved to go. He apologised and that’s great, that’s all I want from my players. I was angry at the time but it’s done and dusted now and we move on.”

Bassett are now just five points away from automatic promotion and Turner is convinced his side won’t let their bid slip up. “We’re almost there now,” he said.”We need two or three wins out of the last seven and that’s assuming everyone else wins their games, so we’re in the driving seat. With the character we’ve got I don’t worry about us closing the season out. To play 40 minutes with 10 men and win I thought was immense.”

Letcombe Hurdle For Bassett - 2 March

Wootton Bassett will hope to keep their One West promotion charge on track with three points at Letcombe today, opposition who are battling the drop.

Rylands Way chief Dave Turner, who could be without Shaun Carter due to a knee problem, is determined his team will not take their foot off the gas. “Letcombe will see it as a no-lose situation and they are always a decent team, they get the ball down and move it around,” he said. “It will be a tough game because the teams at the bottom have as much to play for as those at the top, but we’ve stood up to most of the tests that have come our way this year. I always look at Letcombe as a middle to top side but every so often you have seasons where it doesn’t quite happen for you. They have had a few move on and got youngsters in, and when that happens you’re almost starting again. I’m sure they will be a far stronger team next year and be a handful.”

As Good As Any - 25 February

Wootton Bassett are undoubtedly on a general upward curve and manager Dave Turner reckons his team are as good as any Swindon area side in the Uhlsport Hellenic League.

Highworth and Shrivenham might be in a higher division in the Hellenic League but with both struggling and Bassett looking almost certain to go up, Turner says, in the Swindon Advertiser, the Rylands Way side can call themselves the equal of both. Turner made the comments after Bassett defeated visitors Old Woodstock 3-1 on Saturday, giving them a 13-point cushion on fourth-placed Tytherington, the side best-placed to steal second spot.

"The hardcore of this team have been together for four or five years and some of them are still only 23," said Turner. "They have their best years in front of them and the bulk of them could be together another five years if they want. When I took over Highworth were the number one team and Shrivenham were the number two team, but I genuinely believe we're on a par with them now. What we have done in the last four or five years has been tremendous and the players take the credit. We've gone farther than ever in two national competitions (FA Cup and FA Vase) and achieved two promotions and gone to a Wilts Senior Cup semi-final. We don't compare ourselves to Supermarine because they are the best non-league club in Swindon, but as far as the Hellenic sides go, we're the team in the ascendancy."

On Saturday, Liam Edmondson gave Bassett the lead against Old Woodstock, but Danny Green headed in the equaliser before the break. However, Tom Dingle restored the advantage in the 55th minute and then added another shortly after to make sure of the victory. For Turner, it was the proverbial game of two halves. "I was very disappointed in the first-half performance," he said. "We came out nice and early and did all our normal preparation and they only had seven players warming up, and not warming up particularly well. I had 16 players out there doing it as we always do. I think that the players saw six or seven of them going through the motions or just chatting had an adverse effect - in the first half we thought it was going to be easy. I tried to warn them before they went out and although it was 1-1 at half-time it really should have been 0-0. At half-time we had a few words and I told the players that the one thing Oxford sides do is they always battle, and if we matched them then we'd win the game. We upped our game in the second half and created five or six really good chances. We were certainly worth 3-1 if not more. We had another 15 or 20 per cent to give and that's what we did in the second half."

Brimscombe's 6-0 trouncing of rock-bottom Malmesbury ensured Bassett did not gain any ground on the league leaders, and the gap remains at six points. However, Bassett still have a game in hand and Turner said: "We have to be professional to the last game and make sure we keep the pressure on Brimscombe, and if they slip then we'll be in a position to capitalise. It would be criminal if we didn't and I think we have the calibre of people to do that. Our form has been pretty steady this season."

Cole's To Bassett - 22 February

Wootton Bassett have signed centre-back Tom Cole as boss Dave Turner hands his side another boost for the run-in.

Turner has swooped for Taylor Gill and James Blake of late but the signing of Cole is arguably the manager’s most impressive coup of the season. The centre-back is on forms at Supermarine but has been travelling since early in the season, and South Marston boss Dave Webb was happy for the defender to switch to Rylands Way. “It’s a massive signing for us considering his only really played Southern League and Uhlsport Hellenic Premier football,” said Turner. “It’s come at just the right time as it looks like Shaun Carter (knee) could be struggling for Saturday. I think it shows how far we’ve come as a club that players of that stature are looking to come to us.”

Craig Bowden is available again for the visit of Old Woodstock in Division One West ttomorrow, while Turner has made a seven-day approach for a striker from Highworth.

Debut Goal Takes 30 Seconds - 18 February

Taylor Gill marked his Wootton Bassett debut with a goal inside the first 30 seconds as the Rylands Way side kept alive their Uhlsport Hellenic Division One West title hopes.

With league leaders Brimscombe & Thrupp not in action, Bassett closed the gap at the top to just three points with a 3-0 victory over 10-man Lydney Town.

Dave Turner’s side got off to the ideal start when Gill (pictured), transferred from Shrivenham during last week, headed in Matty Bown’s cross inside the opening moments of Saturday’s clash in Gloucestershire. Boss Turner said: “Taylor’s goal meant we couldn’t have got off to a better start. The sides were vying for possession for 20 minutes after that but as the first half went on, we created three or four very good chances and should have gone in at least 2-0 up. Barnesy missed a one-on-one and it’s not very often you can say that, and their keeper made a couple of good saves. We warned them at half-time that it wasn’t over and then five minutes into the second half Lydney had a player sent off. He could have snapped my centre half’s leg but I’m confident there wasn’t any intent in it. We dominated the second half and 3-0 was a fair reflection. The new signings, Taylor and James Blake were very good and everyone was a seven out of 10. Everything I wanted from my players was there in abundance, they worked hard for the win and deserved it.”

Turner reiterated his belief that there were plenty of twists and turns to come in the race for the title. “I genuinely believe everyone will take points off everyone,” he said. “We lost to Brimscombe two weeks ago and we needed to get back on a little run, and we’ve drawn one and won one. That’s what good teams do and we are a good team, I make no apologies for saying that. We just have to keep doing what we have for another nine games.”

Fight For The Points - 15 February

Dave Turner says his 'Bassett' players must ‘fight for every point’ as they look to secure a return to the Uhlsport Hellenic Premier Division.

The second-placed Rylands Way side have 10 games left to ensure their promotion out of Division One West and Turner’s men travel to Lydney tomorrow. “We’ve got 10 cup finals, it’s as simple as that,” said the manager. “We’ve got to fight for every point and if we do that hopefully we’ll get what we set out to do. The message will be that they have an opportunity. Some people play at this level for 10 years and never get a promotion so two in three years wouldn’t be bad. It’s about how much we want it. I think I’ve got the right players and the ones that will give a little bit extra.”

Turner has managed to secure the services of midfielder Taylor Gill from Shrivenham ahead of this weekend’s game. “I tried to sign him a couple of years ago. I spoke to his dad Les who was his manager at the time (at Sanford) and said we had a real interest in him,” said Turner. “They were going quite well at the time so he didn’t want to come, but I was successful the second time round. I’ve known him since he was a kid and I know what a good player he is.”

Turner is missing Richie Saunders this weekend (head gash) while Shaun Terry and Shaun Carter (both ankle) are doubtful. Adam Corcoran is available again while James Blake has has received Wilts FA clearance to play following confusion over whether he was suspended or not.

Promotion Still On - 11 February

Wootton Bassett manager Dave Turner firmly believes his side are destined to return to the Hellenic Premier despite promotion hopes taking a dent at home to Cricklade on Saturday.

The Rylands Way outfit were demoted following the 2010/11 season but with 10 games to play they sit in the second automatic promotion spot and have a seven-point cushion over nearest rivals Tytherington. Following the weekend’s 1-1 draw with Cricklade, Turner outlined his faith in his talented squad and stated that they would continue to give their all to close down table-toppers Brimscombe & Thrupp.

“I genuinely believe we will get promoted. There comes a point where you have to stand up and say it,” he revealed in the Press. “I think we will cross the line and if I’m wrong then I will take the flak that comes my way. We’re still on course and if we do it, which I believe we will, we will have earned it. At the start of the season the number one aim was to win the league, I can’t say it wasn’t. In the changing room that was what we said. We haven’t given up and there will be twists and turns. Brimscombe are in the driving seat and we are second, but until it’s numerically impossible we will keep chipping away.”

Saturday’s Division One West clash saw both goals scored within a matter of minutes. Jack Allan opened the scoring for Cricklade three minutes into the second half, moments later the hosts were level through James Turner.

“I actually think the pitch played a massive part in the result, it was difficult for both teams to play their natural games,” said Turner. “But if you can’t win games, draw them. It’s second-best but on reflection it was probably a fair result. We probably created more clear-cut chances than them but they defended really well, you have to give them credit for that.”

rich saunders hellenic league The only major negative from the game from Bassett’s point of view came when Richie Saunders (pictured) sustained a gash to the head following a challenge. But Turner absolved the opposing player of any wrongdoing, saying: “I don’t believe it was nasty. I think the player was genuinely going for the ball and wasn’t aiming an elbow at him. It was just unfortunate. They both went into the challenge and Richie came off worse. He’s going to be out for a couple of weeks and will be a big miss, but he will have a big part to play in the run-in. We just need to get him fit again.”

Cricklade chairman Alisdair Ross said of the display: “Bassett are a good side, but I think against Brimscombe and Bassett we have shown that we should be performing better than we are. Hopefully the players can push on from our recent wins and move us up the table. We have a lot of games in hand and we need to start picking up the three points that our performances deserve.”

Blake Back - 8 February

Wootton Bassett have welcomed back utility man James Blake to the club ahead of their One West derby with Cricklade. He is likely to go straight into the side with Craig Bowden suspended and Adam Corcoran away.

Rylands Way boss Dave Turner said: “I’ve had him play for me since he was nine, he can play anywhere across defence and midfield and up front as well. I think his best position is full-back. With a couple of full-backs missing this weekend it will be a like for like change. It adds quality to us and we feel that one or two will give us that final push. I’d kick myself if we didn’t sign a couple of players and just fell short.”

There are question marks over availability of Matty Bennett while Richie Saunders returns to the fold. Turner has made a seven-day approach for a wide midfielder and hopes to speak to the player after the weekend.

Not Giving Up - 4 February

Wootton Bassett’s Division One West title drive lost momentum on Saturday, but boss Dave Turner says his team are not giving up yet.

Second-placed Bassett were beaten 2-0 by league leaders Brimscombe & Thrupp for the second time this season, but still remain well-placed to grab at least the second automatic promotion spot. A goal in each half was enough to give Brimscombe victory at the Meadow, and Turner freely admitted the hosts were well-worth their win.

“They were the better team, it’s as simple as that. We can have no complaints,” Turner said, reported in the Swindon Advertiser. “I did some spying in the week and it would have taken a hovercraft to get round that pitch, but on Saturday it was remarkably good so I can’t even use that as an excuse. They managed to get a friendly in against Gloucester City last Saturday and getting that game in really helped them. I cant fault my lads effort, Brimscombe were just stronger and sometimes you have to hold your hands up. It’s all too easy to make excuses but I’m going to take nothing away from them, they were the better team. We either sulk and let it ruin our season, or we dig in and hope they slip up, and be ready to take advantage. I know which one I’m expecting but the proof of the pudding will be in the next game.”

Despite the defeat, Bassett are still hot favourites to return to the Hellenic Premier alongside Brimscombe and Turner is more than content with that situation. “If someone had offered me this position before a ball had been kicked, I would have snapped their arm off,” he said. “It’s in our hands and it’s up to us to be professional and committed as we have been. We haven’t conceded the title and we’ll fight to the end. We aren’t a million miles away.”

Not A Play Off - 1 February

Dave Turner has rubbished claims that tomorrow’s Uhlsport Hellenic Division One West clash with league leaders Brimscombe & Thrupp is an effective One West championship play-off.

Bassett are just four points behind their rivals and have two games in hand ahead of their trip to London Road, making the title race extremely tight. Turner says he fully expects the battle for top spot to go right to the wire, although he acknowledges three points would hand his team the initiative.

“I don’t think Saturday will be a title decider, but if one team wins it will go a long way to deciding it,” he said. “Yes, it will certainly have a massive impact but it won’t put us out of it if we lose, and the same for them. Whoever wins will take a massive boost from it and it should give them a confidence to go on. Until it’s done and dusted and numerically impossible, we will keep chipping away. There will be a few twists and turns yet and it will come down to which team holds their nerve.”

Even if they don’t top the standings, Bassett are still well on course for promotion to the Hellenic Premier Division, the division they were demoted from at the end of the 2010/11 campaign. Turner’s troops have not played a league game in three weeks and the manager would have preferred to continue the promotion-chasing campaign against a different side. “I hope we do play but it’s probably not the game I’d have chosen to come back to,” admitted the boss. “Both sides would rather have got a game under their belts after coming back from a long lay-off. I expect there to be some funny results all round the league in the next few weeks because it’s almost like starting the season again. Teams who were flying will slip a bit and teams who were struggling will pick up.”

Richie Saunders and Craig Bowden are both suspended tomorrow but otherwise Turner has a full squad at his disposal.

Perfect Timing - 18 January

Snow is scheduled to fall today and tomorrow in the Swindon area according to the Met Office, making it the perfect time for Wootton Bassett manager Dave Turner to jet off on holiday.

The jaunt is an annual event for Turner and this year he is hopeful that he will not miss a game because of his travels to Macedonia, with the Division One West clash with Old Woodstock at Rylands Way already looking extremely doubtful.

And the boss has urged the Hellenic League to call off all the local action due to the expected bad winter weather. “I really don’t think they will get the game on and I’m quietly hoping it will be off,” said Turner. “I’m hoping the league will do what they did last year and do a blanket cancellation and I’m sure they will. It’s the travelling that causes a problem as much as anything.”

Manager Fuming At Dismissal - 14 January

craig bowden hellenic soccer wootton bassett Wootton Bassett boss Dave Turner was left fuming after Craig Bowden's late dismissal during their 5-2 win at Old Woodstock Town.

Turner was incredulous after the left-back ( pictured left) was shown a straight red card by referee Lennon Davis for a challenge in which he appeared to win the ball.

"I'm a little bit fed up," said Turner in the Swindon Advertiser. "Craig has got a 12-inch stud mark on his thigh so I don't know what the ref has seen. I went to see him afterwards and we showed the injury to him, and he could not explain what he had seen. I think he knew he had made a mistake. Craig actually made a really good tackle and won the ball and even the guy who studded Craig said it wasn't even a foul. I just don't know what the ref got into his head. Thankfully we were 5-2 up at the time. I will now lose shaun terry hellenic league a very good footballer for three matches because of something the ref thinks he's seen. You want to keep your best players playing."

On the positive side, veteran striker Shaun Terry (right) rolled back the years with a perfect hat-trick to inspire Bassett to victory. Often in the shadow of Mark Barnes this term, Terry took his tally to 14 for the season after a virtuoso display on the road.

Turner added: "We weren't particularly good first half but in the second half we were superb. We could have hit six or seven but their keeper made a couple of good saves. Shaun Terry is one of my oldest players but he scored the perfect hat-trick and had a good game."

Six Of The Best - 7 January

mark barnes hellenic soccer wootton bassett Wootton Bassett were in rampant mood as they dished out a 6-1 thumping to Carterton, with Mark Barnes bagging a hat-trick

Striker Mark Barnes, pictured, continued his incredible exploits in front of goal this campaign by bagging a hat-trick, while Shaun Terry collected a brace and Matty Bennett also chipped in.

Nevertheless, Bassett boss Dave Turner did not want to single out individuals, instead praising the team as a whole for their display. "It was just a very good all-round performance,” he said. “Everyone was a seven or eight out of 10 and we did play well, when I looked around there was no one who didn’t have a decent game. When we get everyone playing to that level we are a good team. Their manager said we were superb from start to finish and it was nice of him to recognise that. Their keeper had a good game and he saved four one-on-ones, so it could have been even more.

“The only downside is that we conceded a goal, but that’s being very picky. I couldn’t fault a single player.”

More Than Two Horses - 4 January

Dave Turner has insisted the Division One West promotion race is not a two-horse race as his Wootton Bassett side prepare to face Carterton.

Bassett currently sit three points behind leaders Brimscombe & Thrupp but with a game in hand, and a cluster of teams are lurking at least nine points further back. Tomorrow’s opponents are one of those sides, and despite the cushion Turner believes his side need to keep looking over their shoulder and not just concentrate on the team above them.

“We are in a good position, because our aim was to come out of Christmas in contention, and that is what we are, one of a few teams in contention for promotion,” he said. “We are serious about wanting to go up, but we can’t afford to think it is just a two-horse race because it isn’t, there are a number of teams below us who can come up from behind. If we take our eyes off the ball we can easily get into trouble, and we need to focus. Carterton are a side I have an awful lot of time for, and it will be a tough game that’s for sure.”

Preparation Key - 27 December

Dave Turner believes his Wootton Bassett side’s preparation was the key to their 2-1 Division One West Boxing Day win away at Purton.

The visitors got off to the perfect start as Steve Yeardley swept them into the lead after only 17 seconds, and after Matty Bennett doubled the advantage after 70 minutes Bassett were forced to hold on after Jamie McGahey grabbed one back only a minute later. Despite Ritchie Saunders’ late red card the defence held firm to earn three vital points in the quest to earn promotion from Division One West, and Turner believes the professional manner of his side was what ultimately saw them through.

“I like to have my players at the ground about an hour and a quarter before kick-off, and at quarter to 10 I had all of my players there and not one of the Purton players had turned up yet,” he said. “From then on I knew we would be very professional, although I didn’t know we would win, because our preparation was good. Being prepared is a vital part of the game, and it proved that way for us because everyone has bought into our way of doing things. You could expect standards to slip a little for an early game on Boxing Day, but we didn’t let ours, and we deserved to win.”

Turner had to manage without top scorer Mark Barnes who had work commitments, and the Bassett boss was pleased to see his defence grab the headlines for a change. “We scored an early goal which proved very important, and then we went and scored another in the second half although they go one back pretty quickly after that,” he said. “From then on it was a backs to the wall job for the last 20 minutes to be honest, but we came through and it was a great win for us. The forwards have taken a lot of the credit so far this season, and rightly so because they have been brilliant, but this one was more about the defence which is pleasing for them. It started from the front and the forwards defended well, but it was a great team effort and a big win for us because we had a few players missing.”

'Bah Humbug' - 21 December

Dave Turner doesn’t want to see the Bassett players dishing out any generosity to their local rivals during the season of goodwill.

Bassett have a trio of derby dates to look forward to over the festive period, starting with the trip to Cricklade in Division One West tomorrow (2.15pm), and Turner expects his team’s Christmas to be more tiring than others’ because of it.

However, having already exceeded their points target for the end of December, Bassett go into the matches on the crest of a wave. Originally the plan was to aim for 30 points by Christmas, but with a game to go, the Rylands Way outfit are seven points better off and Turner wants to see his side make the most of it.

“From what I’ve seen they’re a decent little side and it will be a tough game,” said Turner. “It’s another derby game. It just seems to be derby after derby with Fairford, Cricklade and Purton - they keep coming. When you’re playing six or eight over the year it can have a bearing on where you finish because they aren’t like the other games that you play. Brimscombe for instance probably only have two derbies and we’ve got six. That can have a bearing at the end of it. We try not to let it but it could do because the normal league position goes out the window."

“Everybody raises their game. Purton will be trying their damnedest to beat us, as Cricklade will over the Christmas period, just because we’re their neighbours. It does add extra pressure. We’ve coped with it so far this season. We’ve got a good track record to date. It is in our hands but it does make it a little bit more difficult. We set a target for Christmas which we’ve already exceeded so we’re slightly ahead of where we wanted to be, which is a nice place to be. At the other side of Christmas you want to be in contention and on the coattails of the other sides up there and that’s exactly where we are. Touch wood, everything at the moment is going according to plan. It’s been a good first half of the season but that won’t count for anything if we let it all fall away.”

Turner will be without Adam Corcoran, who is away, but Ritchie Saunders returns to the match day squad.

“I’m very wary of Cricklade. A couple of years ago, when we came joint top with Slimbridge the two games we lost were both to Cricklade,” said the Bassett boss. “They’re not a bogey team, in my head I don’t see them like that but I am wary of them. Local derbies can see things go out the window so we’re a little bit wary of them.”

Grateful For Three Points - 17 December

Dave Turner admitted Wootton Bassett may not have deserved the penalty that led to Matt Bown’s late winner, but was more than happy to come away with a 4-3 victory over North Leigh Reserves.

The home side led three times through top scorer Mark Barnes, teenager Scott Walduck and Bown’s first of the afternoon, but each time they saw their lead pegged back and it looked as though Bassett were going to have to settle for a draw as the game reached the second minute of injury time. But the referee pointed to the spot in the dying seconds following a clumsy challenge by a Leigh defender, and while he was delighted to see Bown slot the ball home, Turner admitted he had doubts over the penalty decision and conceded a draw would have been a fair result.

“It was a great game to watch and I said to their manager afterwards that a draw was probably a fair result, but in the same breath I said I would take the win because I have been on the other end of these sorts of games too,” he said. “The two teams tried to play the right way, and they are one of the best teams we have played this season, but they are very young and that probably cost them in the end because one of their players dived in right at the end to give away the penalty. It is a massive win for us, and we are all over the moon for it even if it wasn’t one of our best performances. If their defender didn’t challenge he would have been berated by his manager, and our player maybe made the most of it, but they had a penalty in the first half which our players were adamant wasn’t one, so it sort of evens itself out. But it can’t be easy for them to lose like that in the 92nd minute. Barnesy got the first one which is good for him, but it is two good back to back wins for us at an important stage of the season, and it keeps us in touch with Briscombe.”

Turner was also pleased to see 16-year-old Walduck get his first goal for the club, and believes the youngster has a big future ahead of him. “Scott started and got himself on the scoresheet which is great for him,” he said. “He played right midfield for us and looked great, and he put in 60 minutes which is a big ask stepping up from the development team. He is one for the future and I like him a lot, and it is great to have young guys like him around. He is small and tenacious, a good tackler, and technically very good on the ball. You might look at him and think he is a bit lightweight, but what he lacks in stature he more than makes up for in heart and determination."

Future With Youth - 14 December

Wootton Bassett's emergence of a number of promising youth prospects in recent weeks will stand them in good stead for the future.

Bassett got back to winning ways with a 2-1 away win at Hook Norton last weekend, but before that they suffered three straight defeats without scoring a goal and were knocked out of two cup competitions in the process.

Dave Turner’s side host North Leigh tomorrow as they aim for back-to-back victories in Division One West, but the manager is convinced their run of games without success has produced a number of unexpected positives, including the emergence of some good young prospects.

“We didn’t let ourselves get too down about the defeats because there were mitigating circumstances during those games with injuries, and in honesty I am glad they came in cup games rather than us losing out in the league,” he said. “We were not expecting to lose the games and you never want to lose a game, but we saw some real positives from them, particularly with some young players. A number of them showed they were very good players indeed, in particular Scott Walduck who since made his first-team debut at only 16. He is usually a right-back, but played left-back for us, and when he came on last week he went in on the right of midfield and did well. He is a good young player and he is going to have a decent future for sure.”

Turner is also keen to take the positives from the fact leading scorer Mark Barnes hasn’t found the net since the 5-1 win at New College at the start of November. “He has got to be due a goal now I think, and strikers are like that, they go on runs, so hopefully when he goes on a run he can keep scoring,” he said.

North Leigh currently sit 10th in the table having hauled themselves out of the bottom two, and Turner is expected a close contest tomorrow afternoon. “We played them at their place a little while ago, and I was impressed with them for sure,” he said. “They were in the bottom two or three at that time, and I remember going to their manager at the end of the game and saying to him that they wouldn’t be down there for long. They have a good batch of young players and they go about things in the right way, and even though we won well in the end it really flattered us. As long as we are at it and we have the right attitude we can expect results, but they have had some good wins recently and even beat Carterton which is a great achievement. The thing is, though, with a reserve team they can lose players at a moment’s notice, and they can never be sure what team they are able to put out.”

High Stake Relish - 7 December

Bassett boss Dave Turner says he is relishing the prospect of a high-stakes clash with Hook Norton in Uhlsport Hellenic League Division One West.

The teams meet in Oxfordshire tomorrow with just a point separating them in the league, Bassett just holding the edge in second place. Turner, who has a full squad, said: “On paper it looks like it should be a very good game, you never have an easy one up there. These are the games you enjoy most rather than playing the teams at the bottom. We’re slightly more relaxed and we play better against the better teams. You have to play to your full potential if you want to take anything from the game.”

Bassett beat Evo-Stik Southern League Abingdon United 3-2 in a friendly in midweek and Turner was pleased that certain players got minutes under their belts. “Winning is always nice but I don’t read anything into it,” he said. “I had seven players who didn’t play on Saturday so it was important they had the full 90 minutes, otherwise they would have been two weeks without a game.”

Bassett Receive Charity Funding – 6 December

Wootton Bassett Town are pleased to announce that they have been awarded £2,500 of funding from Charlie’s Charity.

The charity was set up in the memory of sport-loving Charlie Lamb, who tragically died in a car accident in September 2009 aged just 18, and works to raise funds for young people in clubs and organisations in Wiltshire to help them make the most of their sporting abilities and opportunities.

The club will use the money mainly to grow disabled football, and the club are looking to start an under 16s Disability team which will compete in the 2013/14 Wiltshire and Dorset Ability Counts League. To that end, starting 12th January 2013 free training sessions will be held on Saturday mornings from 10-11am at Ballards Ash for 12-16 year old football players with a disability. Throughout this season the team will receive training sessions and hopefully play in some friendly festivals.

Funding will also be used to help provide new kit for youth teams, new 9-a-side steel goals and help fund coaching in local schools.

Bassett will also host a charity game to raise further money for Charlie’s Charity. As a club, Bassett are proud to be working with such a worthwhile cause and are grateful for their assistance with funding.

For more information on Charlie’s Charity please visit: http://www.charliescharity.co.uk/ An expression of interest form for the Ability Counts Training Sessions can be found at: http://wbtfc.co.uk/development-disability-football.php

Up Against It - 30 November

As soon as Wootton Bassett Town were paired with Hellenic Premier Division Wokingham & Emmbrook in the Bluefin Supplementary Cup, Dave Turner knew his side would be up against it.

However, the news that five key players are unavailable, including keeper James Domm and recent signing Ritchie Saunders, has lengthened his team’s odds of advancing. The Rylands Way boss, however, sees this as potentially beneficial as it allows him to run the rule over some of the club’s promising youngsters.

“It’s one of those weeks,” he admitted. “Players have looked at the fixture list (before the draw was made), seen an empty weekend and decided to take a week’s leave. But we’ve got a couple players from the reserves and development team who I’ll have a look at. It’s a cup game, so I can experiment.”

One player likely to be drafted in is forward Jake Kitchin, who has scored four goals so far for the club’s Wiltshire League side. Turner also revealed that he has had no success in his hunt for a wide man. However, he’s unperturbed at that failure, declaring the squad as ‘the best I’ve ever had’.

Tactics Backfired - 19 November

Dave Turner admitted his tactical switch had backfired after watching his Wootton Bassett side eliminated from the Wiltshire Senior Cup at Westbury.

Bassett were level at 0-0 at half time in the last-16 clash but after boss Turner elected to switch to a 3-5-2 formation from 4-4-2, the visitors never carried the same attacking threat. Matty Bown had seen his shot saved in the first half while Mark Barnes and Ethan Delaney had efforts cleared off the line. However, Nathan Hallett scored within five minutes of the resumption and a second quickly followed, before Mark Young made it 3-0 to wrap up the victory.

“I’ll take some of the blame because I changed the formation and obviously it didn’t work,” said Turner. “Their keeper made three very good saves in the first half and we could have gone in 2-0 up. I changed the formation because they seemed to have more of the ball, but within 10 minutes we were a goal down. We never looked like scoring in the second half. If you are to learn from it you have to look at your own performance as a manager and I’ve had an ear-bashing from the three players in the back of my car. I don’t have a problem with that as I’m quick enough to tell them when they make a mistake. It’s gone now and we are focusing on a must-win league game against Lydney on Saturday.”

Clash Of The First Divisions - 17 November

Wootton Bassett face Western League opposition in the form of Westbury in the Wiltshire Senior Cup, both clubs play in Division One of their respective leagues.

The Meadow Lane hosts have struggled in their league so far this campaign but are currently off the back of three victories on the spin. Bassett boss Dave Turner said: “They have had a bit of a renaissance, I spoke to a couple of managers in their league and by all accounts they are a decent side. I’ve been told by two people that they expect them to climb the league table, so it will be a tough game up there. We don’t see the Wilts Senior Cup as a hindrance, we see it as a help because good cup runs only breed positivity. There were certainly no negatives to come out of it when we went to Dorchester (in the FA Cup).”

Shaun Terry serves the last of a three-match ban and Steve Yeardley is available again after a one-game suspension. Turner is looking at a seven-day approach for a wide player, but nothing concrete has yet been secured.

Keep Smiling - 12 November

Dave Turner did not lose his sense of humour despite Wootton Bassett’s 2-0 defeat in their top of the table clash with Brimscombe & Thrupp.

The Rylands Way chief could not fault any of his players as first-half goals from Mike Beckingham and Lee Pritchard gave the away side victory in the Division One West clash. Beckingham put Brimscombe in front when he flicked the ball over his head and cracked a wonder-strike into the net from range, and Pritchard stepped inside his man to drive home the second.

Turner joked afterwards: “It’s only our second defeat in 12, so we’re not pressing the panic button just yet. For me there was nothing between the sides and their manager said the same. It seemed like it was going to take something like their first goal to separate us, and it was one of the best I’ve seen this season. It was their day but my players were an absolute credit. I don’t like losing but I thoroughly enjoyed it other than that. Although the lads were disappointed, they were generally in good spirits and are looking forward to the next game.”

Table Toppers Tussle – 8 November

Saturday’s Division One West blockbuster between Wootton Bassett Town and Brimscombe and Thrupp is a key encounter for the club’s.

It’s a battle between first and second in Division One West, and - despite still not being at the halfway mark of the season – the result could be of much significance come the business end of the year.

Brimscombe and Bassett have far and away been the standout sides in the West division this season, with only the former’s superior goal difference separating them so far. Both teams sit on 31 points – nine ahead of reigning champions Tytherington Rocks who lie third.

Dave Turner’s team – who can potentially go three points clear if they win Saturday and are victorious in their remaining game in hand - have dropped just five points in their opening twelve games, while their Gloucestershire visitors have drawn one and lost only two of their first thirteen. So far only Clanfield, who in consecutive weeks in September held Brimscombe to a 1-1 draw and beat Bassett 3-1, have been able to get some sort of measure of both sides.

It’s not only in the league table where the similarities lie. In front of goal, both have been prolific. Bassett’s Mark Barnes currently sits top of the division’s scoring charts with 17 league goals (he has 23 in all competitions), while Brimscombe’s Lee Pritchard (12 goals), Mish Green (8) and Mike Beckingham (6) comprise a potent strike force. Defensively they have been extra strong too, Brimscombe shipping a miserly 12 goals and Bassett only 16.

Last season Bassett had the better of Brimscombe. Away from home, an Alex Green goal was enough to secure the points. Then in an eventful New Year’s Eve matchup that finished ten against ten after a pair of red cards, Matt Bown’s second half penalty cancelled out John Peacock’s earlier strike.

Kick-off at Rylands Way is 3pm. And it will be all action until 4.45 in the quest to gain an advantage at the top.

Feet On Ground - 5 November

Dave Turner has urged his Wootton Bassett players to keep their feet on the ground after their 5-1 victory at New College took them joint top of Uhlsport Hellenic League Division One West.

Prolific leading scorer Mark Barnes scored a hat-trick, while Aaron Daunton and Tom Dingle each scored once to move Bassett level with Brimscombe and Thrupp at the top of the division.

Turner was proud of his players’ performance, but was keen to remind them there is still a long way to go even though they have a game in hand. “It is early days yet, but the boys are playing well and we are producing some good football. College play a lot of good football, and I have a lot of time for them, the way they play, and the way they do things over there. But we fully deserved to win and we possibly could have had a few more, but I am not going to complain after winning 5- 1 because it was a good day at the office. We say to the lads every week that we are not looking further than one game ahead, and all we want is the same performance they put in the previous week. That was the message yesterday, and if we do it we will get what we deserve. We have been playing catch-up because we have had good cup runs, but it has been a good start to the season. But that is all it is, a good start, and it is my job to keep their feet on the ground and churn out the results.”

Barnes’ hat-trick moved him on to 23 for the season, but Turner was keen to stress the Bassett success is far more than just a one-man show. “He is playing really well and is doing what he does best, and I can’t speak highly enough of him because he has been sensational,” he said. “As much as he is scoring, we are also creating a lot of chances for him, so a lot of the credit has to go to the rest of the players too. Over the last five years we have always made a lot of chances, and I have said if we can get a natural finisher we could be a top three side, and we have that now. The last time we had that we had Sam Collier, and a similar thing happened to us and we were successful. We have the second-best defensive performance in the league too, so all in all it is a good combination.”

Saunders Swoop - 2 November

ritchie saunders hellenic league DaveTurner has swooped for former Highworth midfielder Ritchie Saunders as he looks to bolster his club’s bid for promotion from Division One West.

Saunders (pictured) left the Worthians a couple of weeks ago but has now agreed to link up with the Rylands Way side, and boss Turner has hailed him as ‘a massive signing’. The arrival of Saunders gives Turner an array of options in central midfield and the manager is pleased to have plenty of quality at his disposal.

“Ritchie is going to give me a real headache because how can I justify dropping anyone in there at the moment who has got us to where we are,” he said. “The best time to strengthen is when you’re at full strength. He’s been around football long enough so he knows how it works and hopefully he should drive the other players on. But there will be injuries and suspensions at some stage, you can’t go all season without those. I only want to bring in better than we’ve got already and Ritchie will bring a wealth of experience to us. I think he’s one of the best midfielders in the area.”

Also joining the club this week was right-back Paul Carson, who was part of Alan Dyton’s Shrivenham side that won Division One West in 2004/05. Bassett take on New College at the Webb’s Wood Stadium tomorrow in a contest between sides experiencing vastly different fortunes.

Turner’s men are flying high in second while College are third-bottom, but Turner insists his team will not take the game lightly. “If you look at the Hellenic League now, so many players have come through that academy, so they do a terrific job there,” he said. “It’s a difficult ask for whoever does that job, they don’t seem to have the same strength-in-depth this year. But I’ve been around long enough to know that teams at the wrong end can beat teams at the other end of the table.”

Keeping Up Heat - 29 October

Wootton Bassett remained three points behind Division One West leaders Brimscombe & Thrupp courtesy of a 3-1 victory at Carterton.

“It’s not an easy place to go, they have had some good results and were second in the league until a couple of weeks ago,” said Bassett boss Dave Turner. “It was horrible conditions and there was a slight slope, so we thought if we made it to half-time level then we'd be happy, as we had the slope in our favour in the second half. But as it happened we went in 1-0 up. They had chances in the game, but we took ours and I’m certainly glad we came away with three points. We’ve got to play Brimscombe in a couple of weeks and all we can do is keep doing what we’re doing. If we keep them pressure on them at some stage we hope they will slip up, but with the games we have in hand, I suppose that’s irrelevant anyway. They haven’t got a match on Saturday so we could gain parity on points (if Bassett beat New College), but their goal difference is far superior."

Expectant Keeper - 26 October

Wootton Bassett make the trip to Carterton in Division One West tomorrow and James Domm (pictured) will be in goal as long as his partner hasn’t gone into labour.

Matty Bennett and Adam Corcoran are available again after missing out last time. “Carterton have slipped a little bit but they are a good young side,” said Bassett boss Dave Turner. “We’ll treat them with respect, the minute you start taking your eye off the ball, you get beat. We’ve just got to keep our run of form going.”

Bassett Will Be Champs Says Opponent - 22 October

Paul Braithwaite tipped Wootton Bassett to win Uhlsport Hellenic League Division One West after watching his Fairford side lose 2-1 to their opponents on Saturday.

Cinder Lane boss Braithwaite said after the game: “I think Bassett will win the league myself. You need togetherness to win the league and I think they have got that, they know each other's games and that's what pulled them through. I think maybe a draw was the minimum we deserved and would have been a fairer result. We dominated the game but the only problem was we failed to score at the right time. The penalty was a clear as day from most of the players’ point of view, but unfortunately the referee didn’t give it. Overall the boys couldn’t have given any more against a very experienced Bassett team and they were very complimentary afterwards, so fair play to them.”

Bassett manager Dave Turner had nothing but praise for Fairford after the final whistle but felt his side deserved their victory. “Fairford are a good side and I'm glad we don't have to play them again,” he said. “They are one of the better sides in the division and I think they will take points off everybody. I didn’t know a lot about Paul Braithwaite before this year but I’ve got to be fair to the bloke, his team played some great football."

Not Reading Tables - 19 October

Bassett might be near-enough in the driving seat in Uhlsport Hellenic League Division One West, but boss Dave Turner insists he is not reading much into the league table.

Bassett are currently second in the standings behind Brimscombe & Thrupp, and would go three points clear if they won their games in hand. With a full squad for tomorrow’s derby with Fairford, Bassett manager Turner says it’s a case of one game at a time at present.

“I honestly haven’t looked at that and that’s not the message at the moment,” he said. “We aren’t excited about where we are in this league. It’s just about keeping the form going that we’ve produced for the last nine games. If we’re in the top three or four come February then I will start taking notice, but at this stage if you lose three or four games you’re in mid-table. We back ourselves 100 per cent but we’ve only done it for nine games. Fairford are flying at the moment and they were a decent side when we played them at their place. We know we’ll have to be on form to get anything because like us they have improved as the season has gone on.”

County Cup Attention – 12 October

Dave Turner says Wootton Bassett can give their full attention to the Wiltshire Senior Cup this year ahead of their first-round derby with New College tomorrow.

Boosted by the return of James Domm in goal, Bassett host their local rivals at Rylands Way with half an eye on serious progress in the competition. “We want to go as far as we can, the FA Cup and the FA Vase are out of the way and we’re up to speed in the Hellenic,” said Turner. “We’ve played our catch-up games so we’re more than happy that we’ve got parity in the league. The Wilts Cup is a competition we believe we can go a reasonable distance in and we’re taking it seriously this year. We intend to enjoy it and we’re going to.”

Derby Day – Drama Expected! - 8 October

Wootton Bassett Town and Purton lock horns Tuesday night (7.45pm kick off) in what should be a typically eventful affair.

Neither side needs much added motivation going into matches between the two teams. But Tuesday’s encounter will have plenty riding on it, even at this early stage of the season.

Dave Turner’s team go into the match on the back of two straight league wins, which have lifted Bassett into second place with games still in hand following their FA Cup run. A win would therefore provide them an added cushion ahead of a challenging run of games against their current main rivals near the top.

Purton – beset by injury problems in recent weeks - are languishing in the bottom half with just eight points from their opening eight games. And Chris Pethick will be hoping for a victory to kick start his team’s campaign.

Although Bassett can claim to be the current form side, their fortunes hosting their near neighbours have not been good in recent years. In fact not since December 2006 have they defeated Purton at Rylands Way. The Red House outfit have won three of the last four - including a 2-1 win last year that was more convincing than the final score suggested - when making the short journey to Bassett; the other meeting in that span resulted in a 2-2 draw.

Overall, the last ten derby encounters have seen 37 goals and 11 penalties, so it would be unwise to predict a dour goalless draw devoid of controversy!

Dave Turner was delighted Saturday's performance despite only beating struggling Letcombe 3-2. “It was a funny old game really,” said Turner. “If you weren’t at the game you just look at the scoreline and it looks like a close game. But it wasn’t like that. We were 3-1 up with three minutes to go and then they nick one. It was a little nervy but on the whole we were comfortable throughout the game. We missed a lot of chances and Letcombe have defended well to be fair to them. They put their bodies on the line and their keeper has made some good saves. On another day we would win easily but I’m delighted with the overall performance. The result keeps us up there and that is the main thing.”

Bassett are now six points off leaders Brimscombe & Thrupp with two games in hand.

Dingle Could Make Bassett Start - 5 October

tom dingle wootton bassett hellenic league Fresh from their resounding win over North Leigh Reserves on Wednesday, Wootton Bassett are preparing to host Letcombe at Rylands Way.

Former Highworth striker Tom Dingle (pictured) could make his first appearance for the club if boss Dave Turner decides to give him the nod. Dingle, who can also play on the wing, has been signed at Rylands Way for a couple of weeks but unavailability has prevented him from turning out so far.

“He’s got a young family so I think he took a bit of a break from the game,” explained Bassett boss Dave Turner. “But he agreed to sign for us and he brings a wealth of experience. Not only is he a really good player, he’s also a lovely lad and I’m looking forward to working with him.”

Turner added: “I know Letcombe reasonably well - they have had the same people in charge for a long time now. Regardless of the personnel, they always try to play football, which should make for a good game as we’ll try to do the same thing.”

Insurance Risk - 1 October

Dave Turner admitted experimentation in the The Bluefin Insurance Challenge Cup didn't pay off after Wootton Bassett were defeated 2-0 at Wantage.

“I tried a few players in different positions in the first half and we didn't play particularly well and probably deserved to be 2-0 down,” he said. “That wasn’t the players’ fault, that was me messing around with the team. I was really happy with the second-half performance and Adam Corcoran was my man of the match, I thought he was outstanding.”

First Team Physio Required - 30 September

Wootton Bassett Town are looking for a physio to cover their first team games, home and away.

Candidates are required to have completed the FA Intermediate Treatment of Injury course (or its equivalent) and hold a valid first aid certificate. This is a great opportunity for someone who is looking to get into physiotherapy and will provide valuable experience.

If you are interested, please contact Chairman Andy Walduck (Mobile: 07890730905; Email: andy.walduck@wbtfc.co.uk) or Head of Senior Section Chris Jones (Mobile: 07774851563; Email: chris.jones@wbtfc.co.uk)

Proud Manager - 24 September

Dave Turner was a proud manager after watching his side give it everything against Blue Square Conference South Dorchester at the Greene King IPA Community Stadium.

The Rylands Way outfit were beaten 4-0 at the Avenue Stadium in the FA Cup with Budweiser 2 Qualifying Round by a side who play four divisions higher. It was always going to be a hugely difficult task for Bassett, who were competing in the second round qualifying round for the first time in their history, but Turner was delighted with the performance.

"I'm proud of my players," he said. "The class difference was there for everyone to see and the lad from Exeter who scored the two goals (Jamie Reid) was absolutely different class. We were up against it for large periods of the game, but we tried to pass it when we had the ball and I've got nothing but praise for my players. The difference in quality was clear to see, but they didn't disgrace themselves or let themselves, me or the club down. I thought they were immense. I was pleased with their durability, they never stopped trying to pass the ball. It's easy when you're 4-0 down to start blaming each other, but we stuck at it as a group. I think I've got a terrific young group of players and that makes me proud as a manager."

Turner also voiced his delight at the way that himself, his staff and players were treated by officials at the Dorset club, for what was arguably the biggest game in their history. He added that he would like to see more of the same 'respect' in the Hellenic League, where Bassett ply their trade. "When you come to a club like this, the way they treat you and the respect they show you is superb and a lot of clubs in our league could learn from them," said Turner. "They have got players that are ex-pros or who are here on loan from professional clubs and they treat you with respect, there's none of this, 'we're better than you'. Their players were talking to my players throughout the game and they wanted to know where we came from. The way they conducted themselves, we can learn from them. I had three or four of their staff coming up to me afterwards saying, 'you should be proud of your players', which obviously I am after what they have done."

Skipper Steve Yeardley said: "Our performance was good, we let ourselves down in the first 20 minutes but we battled hard and got closer to them in the second half and did ourselves justice. We let them have the ball in their own half and only shut them down in the final third, and they struggled to break us down. We tried to match their work rate and their desire all over the pitch throughout, but at the end of the day their quality shone through."

Result?? - 21 September

dave turner wootton bassett hellenic league Dave Turner insists he can’t even begin to think about getting a result at Dorchester in the FA Cup with Budweiser tomorrow, and is purely focused on cajoling the best possible performance out of his side.

The Rylands Way boss refuses to get carried away by the romance of the cup, with a respectable scoreline in the second qualifying round tie his only target against the Blue Square South giants.

“We know which way we’re going to play and it’s a case of giving it the best we can and seeing what that brings,” said Turner, whose side play four leagues below the Magpies. “You can never say never, but the reality is we’re going up against a squad that is far superior to us.People say there’s always a chance but if I stood in front of my players and said, ‘we’re going to have a go’, they’d think I was barking mad. I have to start from a realistic position. I scare myself looking at the players they have got and the ones they are signing. The speed of thought and speed of pass will be very different, but the players should try and learn from it. They play four divisions above and I couldn’t put a team out to have a go at them if I wanted to. All we can do is show we can play a little bit and keep it respectable. We’ve earned the right to be there by beating three teams in higher divisions, so we can play, and I just want my players not to freeze up and enjoy the experience.”

From an attacking perspective, Bassett are missing two of their key men for the trip to the Avenue Stadium. The absence of striker Mark Barnes is significant given that he is Bassett’s top scorer and has netted four goals in three FA Cup games. The former Supermarine man, who may travel depending on work commitments, misses out with ligament damage while Shaun Terry is suspended.

“It’s frustrating for the lad (Barnes) because he’s been instrumental for us,” said Turner. “I feel for him and it’s going to be a massive loss for us, but to be honest, I’d rather have him fit for the league games. He and Shaun are two of my more experienced players who have played at a higher level and their experience would have been invaluable.”

Dorchester manager Phil Simkin has promised the Magpies will ‘respect’ Wootton Bassett in the teams’ FA Cup second qualifying round clash tomorrow. The Blue Square South side go into the tie as huge favourites against Dave Turner’s men, who play four levels below their opponents. But Simkin is all to aware of the magnitude of the occasion for the Wiltshire club and knows his own team will have to give a strong performance if they are to progress.

“It’s going to be their cup final and it’s up to us to be totally professional about it and make sure there are no slip-ups,” he said. “We will prepare properly, show them the respect they are due and hopefully we will get the result we are after. We desperately want a cup run so it’s a big game for us as well. There is no way we are taking this game lightly and we will be putting out our strongest possible line-up.”

Simkin sought advice from Hamworthy boss Simon Browne on Bassett, as Browne’s men were defeated 1-0 in the preliminary round by the Rylands Way side. “They did put Hamworthy United out of the cup in a previous round and I have spoken to Simon Browne,” added Simkin. “He has been very helpful and given me a complete run-down on them, for which I am very grateful. I went to watch Wootton Bassett play last week (a 4-1 defeat at Shrivenham in the Challenge Cup), but it wasn’t their strongest line-up so I didn’t learn too much about them.”

Simkin has injury concerns over skipper Mark Jermyn (thigh) and Jamie Gleeson (groin), while recent signing Jon Garcia could make his home debut. Dorchester snapped up Truro defender Aaron Pugh yesterday, but he is most likely to be on the bench as he is recovering from a broken hand.

Tale Of The Tape - 17 September

On Saturday Wootton Bassett Town will make their first ever appearance in the FA Cup with Budweiser Second Qualifying round when they travel to Dorchester Town.

Bassett are one of only three step six sides left in the competition, along with North West Counties League Abbey Hey and Midland Football Combination Nuneaton Griff. However, Dave Turner’s record setting team will have their work cut out to go one step further given their opponents this weekend ply their trade in the Blue Square Bet South – four steps higher than Hellenic League Division One West.

The table below emphasises the scale of Bassett’s task:

Wootton Bassett Town		Dorchester Town
1882	Established	1880
Hellenic League Division One West	Division	Blue Square Bet South
Six	Step on Non-League Pyramid	Two
Malmesbury Victoria, Lambourn Sports, Fairford Town, Clanfield, Tytherington Rocks	League Opponents Played so far	Eastbourne Borough, Staines Town, Farnborough, Bath City, Sutton United, Eastleigh, Chelmsford City, AFC Hornchurch
135 (55 for league games)	Average Home Attendance so far in 2012/13	496
1938/39 Preliminary Round vs Wiltshire Mental Hospital (A) – Lost 0-6	FA Cup Debut	1926/27 Preliminary Round vs Poole Town (A) – Lost 0-7
Zero	FA Cup First Round Proper Appearances	Ten
Second Qualifying Round (2012/13)	Best FA Cup Performance	Second Round Proper (1954/55, 1957/58, 1981/82)
Swindon GWR Corinthians, Exmouth Town, Highworth Town, Bracknell Town, Brockenhurst, Westbury United, Radstock Town	Selection of Previous FA Cup Opponents	Norwich City, Queens Park Rangers, Plymouth Argyle, AFC Bournemouth, Wigan Athletic, Wycombe Wanderers, Oxford United (Dorchester, like Bassett, have faced Devizes Town, Warminster Town, Hamworthy United and Brockenhurst in the FA Cup)
2x Wiltshire Senior Cup winners (1998/99, 2000/01)	County Cup titles	12x Dorset Senior Cup winners (most recent – 2011/12)

Boss Dave Turner admitted some of his players had their minds elsewhere as they were defeated 3-1 at Clanfield on Saturday. Turner said a few of his squad had been ‘careful’ in the weekend loss. It was the first defeat Bassett had suffered in Division One West in 2012/13, with Lee Bowen’s effort coming in vain as Jamie Butt and Chris Blakeley were both among the goals for the hosts.

Turner commented: “I think half the team had one eye on next week, it was not a normal performance from us in the first half. I’m sure everyone went in a bit carefully and although they were competitive, one or two weren’t as competitive as they normally are. At half time it could have been 4-2 to them on chances created. For 25 minutes of the second half we were camped in their half, but they hit us on the break and scored an absolute worldie. I was speaking to Tim North, the old Carterton manager, and he told me the last time the player tried that they never found the ball, but I have to give the lad (Blakeley) credit, it was a great goal. We were pressing and pressing after that and that allowed them to pick us off and get a second, and the third was the same, but we actually played really well in the second half."

“It’s football, it’s what happens, I’ve been around long enough to know I shouldn’t get carried away about it. In some ways, as soon as we can get the cup out of the way, the better. These games only come along every five or 10 years for clubs like us, so I can understand the players being careful. Now we can focus on next weekend and it will be great because most of them have never been involved in a game of that magnitude.”

Bassett's Biggest Game In History - 14 September

Dave Turner admits Wootton Bassett’s FA Cup trip to Conference South giants Dorchester Town next weekend will be ‘the biggest game in the club’s history’.

Bassett visit the Magpies in 10 days’ time in what will be the club’s first-ever second qualifying round tie.

“I can’t see how it’s not the biggest game in the club’s history. It’s got to be,” said boss Turner. “One, they have never been that far before and two, they have drawn out a Conference South side in a competitive game, and Bassett have never played anyone at that level in competitive football. It doesn’t get much better than this, let’s be honest. There’s only probably two clubs in our area that we would have taken over that - Salisbury and Chippenham. We’re going to one of the biggest non-league clubs in this part of the country, I don’t think I’ll have a problem getting people to turn up to training. I’m proud and absolutely buzzing - it’s the biggest game I’ve been involved in since I’ve been in local football. It’s a fantastic draw and whatever the result, that’s going to be there forever.”

Turner, who has been in charge at Bassett since the beginning of the 2008/09 season, was pragmatic when asked if his side could spring a shock. “You never go into a game wanting to lose, but you also have to temper that with some reality,” he said. “Nine times out of 10 they would absolutely wipe the floor with us. They would have to have a horrendous day at the office and we’d have to play above ourselves. But that doesn’t matter because we can’t lose, it’s a magnificent day for the club. It’s just going to be a great day for everyone and not just the players, people like Roger Williamson who does the kit for me. The kit is always laid out and fresh, and little things like that mean I don’t have to worry. He’s a miserable git, but he’s brilliant and we wouldn’t be without him. There’s lots of people like that who will come along to Dorchester and enjoy it.”

Turner plans to seek advice from former Highworth Town manager Dave Webb, now in charge at Supermarine, who gained a 1-1 draw against Salisbury in the FA Cup in 2010/11.

Happy To Be Tagged Underdogs - 7 September

Bassett boss Dave Turner wants to use the underdog tag to their advantage again as they host rivals Highworth in a mouth-watering FA Cup first qualifying round tie this evening, writes Andy Warren in the Swindon Advertiser.

Turner’s team will be looking to make history as Bassett have never reached the second qualifying round, and have battled against the odds so far in the competition this season having beaten higher division sides Calne Town and Hamworthy United to reach this stage.

Turner admits Uhlsport Hellenic Premier side Highworth will go into the game as favourites, but believes a big crowd at Rylands Way will prove a leveller tonight.

“We have done really well to reach this stage and have beaten some good sides, so we don’t mind being the underdogs, and maybe it suits us,” he said. “We are all really looking forward to this game now and it should be a good occasion with a big crowd, and that could help us on the night. The FA Cup is a great competition and it would be great to go further in it, and we have a very specific plan as to how to beat them, and hopefully it will come off.”

Friday Night FA Cup Feast At Rylands Way – 5 September

It’s local derby time in the FA Cup with Budweiser on Friday night as Wootton Bassett Town host near neighbours Highworth Town in what should be a tasty 1st Qualifying round clash (Rylands Way, 7.45pm kick off). Dave Turner’s team will be looking to be make history as never before have Bassett reached the 2nd Qualifying round of the world’s oldest knockout cup competition.

They have fought against the odds just to set up Friday’s match, beating much fancied Calne Town 4-2 before seeing off Wessex League Premier Division Hamworthy United thanks to a solitary Mark Barnes goal in the Preliminary round.

John Fisher’s Uhlsport Hellenic Premier Division side, whose best FA Cup performance came in 2003/04 when they reached the Third Qualifying round, also had to produce an upset victory to set up the derby encounter. After seeing off Corsham Town 3-1 in the Extra Preliminary round, they deservedly eliminated Southern League Shortwood United, defending resolutely and taking the game to their opponents before Bradley Clarke grabbed the only goal late on. When it comes to local football in Wiltshire, few games match those between the two sides. And the upcoming meeting will have added intrigue for several reasons. Matt Bennett, Steve Yeardley and Mark Barnes will be pitted against the team they departed in the summer to join Bassett, while former Rylands Way favourites Richie Saunders and Jonny Aitkenhead will play a key role for the visitors.

Highworth’s trips to Rylands Way in recent years have not been fruitful either. In 2010/11, they suffered a 2-0 defeat, with Jon Beeden and Liam Edmondson scoring the home side’s goals. Fisher’s last visit to the ground as Worthians boss also ended in defeat, this time in an FA Cup Extra Preliminary round replay. The initial fixture at The Elms that ended in a stalemate was gripping, but the deciding game proved even more eventful. Mark Belcher gave the visitors the lead early in the second half. However, strikes from Bennett and Chris Mills secured a stunning comeback victory for Bassett. Indeed, Bassett are yet to lose against Highworth in a national competition, having defeated Friday’s visitors 8-1 in a 1964/65 FA Amateur Cup Preliminary round contest!

Admission on Friday night is £5 for adults and £2 for concessions. Here’s hoping for a bumper crowd and an entertaining night of football!

Renewed Rivalries - 31 August

Wootton Bassett will renew rivalries with Southampton based GE Hamble in the FA Carlsberg Vase tomorrow.

The Rylands Way side are without James Turner, but Ethan Delaney returns.

Bassett boss Dave Turner said: “I think they will be a different team to the one we’ve played in the last few seasons, they will be decent. We go there as underdogs, but we like that to be honest.”

mark barnes wootton bassett hellenic league Mark Barnes (pictured) took his scoring total for August to 10 goals in five games on Tuesday night as he converted a penalty and a one-on-one, to give Bassett a 2-1 win over reigning champions Tytherington in Division One West.

Even though clubs in both the Hellenic Premier and Western League have put in seven days’ notice of approach, Dave Turner fully expects the striker to remain at Rylands Way.

“He’s had a very good month and although there’s a bit of interest in him at the moment, he’s committed to the cause,” said Turner. “When I spoke to him, he said he’s more than happy to stay and he’s an absolute pleasure to work with. He’s loving it here and that is showing in the goals he’s scoring. When the kid is as nice as he is, the goals are a bonus.”

All To Play For - 24 August

dave turner wootton bassett hellenic league Dave Turner knows exactly what 'Bassett' will be playing for when they take on Hamworthy United in The FA Cup with Budweiser Preliminary round tonight.

A crowd of 248 gathered to watch the club’s thrilling 4-2 win against Calne Town in the extra preliminary round, and another big crowd is expected for tonight’s clash with the Dorset side.

With £1,750 awarded to the winner of tonight’s game, Turner is hopeful his close-knit side, who all play for free, can bring in some much-needed cash.

"We have no budget but over the summer we looked at what we had and there were three or four players that were not readily available week-in-week-out so we felt we had to bring a few more in that could play consistently," said manager Turner. "Because we can’t pay, we can’t ask players to take time off work so we had to target players that we felt could take us forward and would agree to join. It wasn’t a case of offloading anyone but we needed to strengthen and we have. I really think that playing for free helps to bond the players and create a sense of togetherness. Money can be a double-edged sword, it can buy you better players but it cannot buy you team spirit or anything like that. Sometimes I do look upon those clubs that do have a few bob to spend a bit enviously, but I know that the players I have want to play for me and the football club.”

Friday Night FA Cup Action, Again - 23 August

Wootton Bassett Town will be bidding to become the first Uhlsport Hellenic League club to book their place in the FA Cup 1st Qualifying round when they host Wessex Premier League Hamworthy United at Rylands Way on tomorrow night (7.45pm kick off).

After the success of their Extra Preliminary match both on and off the field, Bassett are grateful to their Dorset-based opponents for agreeing to move the fixture forward. A crowd of 248 gathered to watch the thrilling 4-2 win against Calne Town in the previous round. And another big crowd should hopefully be in the offing with no other Hellenic or Wiltshire sides in FA Cup action until Saturday. It should be an exciting contest. Both teams are currently unbeaten in their respective leagues, with Bassett sitting top of Hellenic League Division One West with three wins and a draw from their opening four games.

Bassett will have to overcome an extremely poor history against Wessex League opponents in national competitions though if they are to progress. Brockenhurst and Hamble (both twice), Bemerton Heath Harlequins, Christchurch, Bournemouth and Wimborne Town have all eliminated Bassett from the Cup and Vase in the last decade. But after their hot start to the season, inspired by new signing Mark Barnes’ seven goals in five appearances, Dave Turner’s team enter the game full of confidence.
Admission is £5 for adults and £2 for concessions.

Friday Cup Start - 10 August

Wootton Bassett start their FA Cup with Budwieser journey tonight, hosting Western League outfit Calne at 7.45pm tonight.

The Rylands Way clash is one of four ties that could supply the first kick of the 2012/13 competition, the others being Ascot versus Sandhurst, Thrapston versus Cogonhoe and Lye versus Bartley.

Calne, managed by Jeff Roberts and former Bassett player Drew Youngsam, are off the back of an excellent 2011/12 season in which they lifted the Wiltshire Senior Cup and finished fourth in the Western League Division One.

Bassett skipper Steve Yeardley, who returned to the club this summer, said: “They won the Wilts Cup last year but we will be looking to win the tie. We need a good cup run because all the money goes back into the club. It’s different to kick-off on a Friday night but hopefully that means we’ll get a few more supporters.”

Faster, Stronger, Higher? - 7 August

Strength in depth. Those three words have been the key to Dave Turner’s summer activities as he has sought to build a squad not only with the necessary firepower to ensure a place in this season’s Division One West promotion battle, but also deep enough to overcome the perennial injury and suspension troubles. Last season it was Bassett’s mid-season form that proved their undoing, a fantastic finish ultimately not proving enough to claw themselves into a top three spot and an immediate return to the Hellenic Premier Division. Between November and January the team recorded just one win in ten league games, meaning that there was just too much to do come the business end of the campaign, resulting in a respectable yet frustrating fifth place finish. And during that barren winter spell the inability to field a consistent line-up and the loss of talismanic figures Sam Collier and Sam Packer to Abingdon United arguably combined to limit Bassett to a meagre eight point haul from an available thirty.

This season, however, that should not be the case with a handful of quality signings bolstering an already solid squad that has seen no major departures. Headlining Turner’s acquisitions are two familiar faces, who return to Rylands Way after successful spells in the Premier Division with Highworth Town. Former Bassett captain Steve Yeardley and prolific scorer Matt Bennett return to the club where they began their Hellenic League careers. The former will provide help across the pitch with his versatility making him comfortable in all defensive and midfield positions. Bennett, meanwhile, offers pace, skill and deadliness in front of goal from out wide or as a centre forward. Striker Mark Barnes arrives after spending the majority of the past two seasons with the Worthians too. With Southern League experience after spells with Hitchin and Swindon Supermarine, it is anticipated he will form a formidable front trio with Ethan Delaney and veteran Shaun Terry, who looks set to return to the first team fold following two seasons with the reserves. Central defender Matt Penman, who counts Trowbridge Town and Bradford Town among his former teams, is another new face and further bolsters an already strong defence. Both ‘keepers Stewart Thompson and James Domm appear set to begin the year fit – unlike last time out – meaning Bassett will begin the year better off between the sticks as well.

The British summer has somewhat frustrated preparations for the new season, resulting in friendlies against Pewsey Vale and Chiseldon being cancelled. Nonetheless Bassett have shown well in their fixtures so far. Wiltshire League Marlborough Town were rolled over 8-2 thanks to braces from Barnes, Delaney, Terry and double 2011/12 player of the year winner Matt Bown before Newbury Town were given a run for their money, the Hellenic Premier newcomers edging a 3-2 win at Rylands Way. Against Division One East Woodley Town, Turner’s team controlled proceedings, despite having to play an hour with ten men, and triumphed 2-1 thanks to goals from Terry and James Turner. Visitors Cheltenham Saracens defeated Bassett 2-0 in the penultimate contest. But Bassett go into their opening match with Malmesbury Victoria on the back of a 2-1 victory in a rearranged match against Wessex League Pewsey. Spoilt for choice, Wootton Bassett Town will be hoping for a tilt at the Division One West spoils.

Start Off The 132nd Year? - 3 August

If things are timed just right next Friday evening, Wootton Bassett Town’s FA Extra Preliminary round fixture against Wiltshire rivals Calne Town will be the first game to kick off in the 132nd edition of the world’s oldest and grandest knockout competition.

One of four ties to be taking place on Friday August 10th – along with fellow Hellenic League outfit Ascot United’s contest against Sandhurst Town, kick-off is scheduled for 7.45pm at Rylands Way. But if the ball gets rolling a minute or two earlier nobody should mind, and a little piece of history will belong to Bassett and their visitors.

What transpires over the course of the following hour and a half of action should excite too. The visiting Lilywhites are coming off a fine 2011/12 season in which they lifted the Wiltshire Senior Cup and finished fourth in Western League Division One. There is no doubt that Dave Turner’s team – fifth in Hellenic League Division One West last year and strengthened over the summer – will be in for a tough night against the side managed by Jeff Roberts and Drew Youngsam (the latter a former Bassett player). The two sides have met once before in a national competition. In 2001/02 Bassett entertained Calne in their first ever FA Vase fixture and it proved to be a highly-charged thriller. In front of a healthy three-figure crowd, the visitors took a first half lead from the penalty spot before Jeremy Newton equalised shortly after the hour. Early in extra time Mark Vaughan put Bassett in front but that effort was cancelled out just before the midway point of the added thirty minutes. But with ten minutes remaining Vaughan grabbed what proved to be the winner. Friday’s FA Cup fixture therefore has a lot to live up to, but entertainment should be guaranteed.

Entry is £5 for adults and £2 for concessions.

Stalwarts Appointed Life Members - 19 July

Wootton Bassett Town held their annual general meeting on Thursday 12th July at Rylands Way where former Chairman Paul Harrison and current Head of Youth Section Pete Yeardley were appointed life members in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the club over the years.

They join Mick Woolford (1995), who managed the first team from 1985 to 1995 and guided the club from the Wiltshire League to the Hellenic League, long-time Club Secretary Rod Carter and former player and Treasurer Roger Williamson (both appointed 2009) in being awarded this exclusive honour.

paul harrison wootton bassett hellenic league Paul has spent over two and a half decades with the club. Beginning as a midfielder and key member of the highly successful Wootton Bassett Town teams of the 1980s under Woolford, 'H' - as he is commonly known - became Chairman in 1997, a post he held until 2004. During that period he helped set the foundations for the success of the club today: in 1999 floodlights were erected at Rylands Way, while the youth section grew so much that by the time he stood aside to concentrate on the relocation project the club was fielding 16 teams from under 7s upwards. Paul's playing days continued too, with a few brief appearances for the first team at the end of the 1990s and reserves in the new Millennium in which he demonstrated that class is permanent. He reassumed the role of Chairman in 2008 and held the post until late 2011 before stepping aside for present incumbent Andy Walduck. This second spell saw further progress made with plans for the Sport Association's relocation to the extent that work is expected to start on the new site in the not too distant future.

pete_yeardley wootton bassett hellenic league Pete has had a heavy presence in both the senior and youth sections in the last decade and a half. As joint Reserve team manager with Paul Burke, he helped guide the team to an unbeaten championship winning season in 2000/01. A season he later he assumed the reins of the first team, who by now were in the Hellenic League Premier Division. With the odds stacked against Bassett for most of that period he guided Bassett to safety for three consecutive seasons before standing down midway through the 2004/05 campaign. During that time a number of promising young players - among them Steve Yeardley, Matt Bennett and Ben Gascoyne - were given their first taste of senior football, leading to lengthy spells with Bassett. Alongside his contributions to the senior section, Pete has devoted countless hours coaching and supporting the youth section. He began his association with youth football in the town by coaching with Community Football from which a large number of players went on to join Bassett's junior sides. As Youth Section Head, he has ensured the number of sides the club runs continues to grow, assumed responsibility for organising the annual Holland Tour and has helped forge solid relationships in the Netherlands, especially with sister club FC s'Gravenzande.

Together their contributions have helped transform the club into what it is today, and it is only fitting that they be recognised.

Bassett Handed Crunch Cup Clash Against Calne - 6 July

The FA competition draws have been announced and the highlight for Wootton Bassett Town will be a crunch local derby against Calne Town in the Extra Preliminary Round of The FA Cup with Budweiser.

Bassett have also been paired with a familiar foe - though not quite as local - in The FA Carlberg Vase, after they were pulled out to travel to GE Hamble (formerly Hamble ASSC) in the First Qualifying Round of the FA Vase. It was the third time in four years that they have been drawn with one another in a national competition, having faced each other in the Vase in 2009/10 and the FA Cup during the 2010/11 season.

FA Cup - The tie against the Lilywhites, who finished 4th in Western League Division One and lifted the Wiltshire Senior Cup last season, will be a tricky test, but there should be a bumper crowd for the clash at Rylands Way with less than ten miles separating the two towns. Calne were Bassett's first ever opposition in the FA Vase back in 2001/02 and the game proved to be a thriller, with the Rylands Way outfit winning 3-2 after extra time. A year later Calne gained revenge for that defeat, winning 1-0 in a Wiltshire Senior Cup contest. The last time the two sides faced one another in competitive action was in the County Cup in 2006/07 and that again was a classic. The game finished 3-3 after extra time before Bassett prevailed 5-3 on penalties. Calne have some pedigree in the FA Cup having reached the third qualifying round in 1997/98 when they were knocked out by Basingstoke Town in a replay. Last year, like Bassett, they were eliminated at the first hurdle, falling 3-0 to Hallen.

The winner has the luxury of another home tie in the Preliminary Round. But it will be no easy day as they will face either Bemerton Heath Harlequins or Hamworthy United, who both ply their trade in the Wessex League. Last season Bemerton finished runners-up and lost to Calne in the final of the Wiltshire Senior Cup. Hamworthy, meanwhile, finished 7th. Both teams lost in the Extra Preliminary round of the FA Cup in 2011/12, but both can count trips deep into the qualifying rounds in their history. In 2007/08 and 2008/09 Hamworthy made it to the Second Qualifying stage, while Bemerton can count two trips that round and a Third Qualifying Round appearance in 1997/98.

Two victories would see Dave Turner's team match their 2010/11 cup run by putting them in the First Qualifying Round - a stage also reached in 2007/08 under Paul Burke. Awaiting there would be either one of two Wiltshire rivals - Highworth Town or Corsham Town - or recently promoted Southern League Division One South and West outfit Shortwood United. Bassett have previous against Highworth in the FA Cup, beating them 2-1 in a replay in 2007/08, while the club have twice been eliminated from the Vase by Shortwood including a heavy 5-0 defeat last season. Corsham were relegated from the Western Premier Division last season but have had some FA Cup success, reaching the Second Qualifying Round in 2007/08 after beating Southern League Swindon Supermarine.

FA Vase - Bassett will be looking to reverse recent history when they make the long journey to the south coast to face GE Hamble in the First Qualifying Round on 1st September 2012. Formerly Hamble ASSC, they defeated Dave Turner's team 3-2 in the Vase at the same stage at Rylands Way in 2009/10 before winning 2-0 in an FA Cup First Qualifying Round replay a season later after an entertaining 1-1 draw in Hampshire. That year they would wind up reaching the Third Qualifying Round before losing narrowly away at Conference South Farnborough. Their Vase history is not as great for they have never got beyond the First Round Proper. Nevertheless, they provide extremely tough opposition and finished fifth in the Wessex Premier in 2011/12. The winner will be on the road again for the Second Qualifying round with Western League Premier - and last year's third place side in Hellenic League Division One West - Winterbourne United awaiting the victors. This will be only Winterbourne's second ever entry in the Vase, but they will be looking to repeat last year's fantastic run when they made it to the Second Round Proper, where they lost 1-0 away against Ilfracombe Town. Two victories would result in a home tie for Bassett where they would take on one of Team Solent, Whitchurch United, Almondsbury UWE or Bristol Academy. Team Solent, attached to Southampton Solent University, are a Wessex League Division One side who narrowly missed out on promotion last year after finishing third. 2011/12 will be their first ever participation in the Vase. Whitchurch ply their trade in the same division and have some recent cup pedigree, reaching the Second Qualifying Round of the FA Cup last year. Their best Vase performance was in 2003/04 when they made the First Round. Western League Division one side Almondsbury UWE - also attached to a university, in this case that being the University of the West of England, hosted Bassett in the FA Cup Preliminary Round two seasons ago, with the visitors prevailing 1-0. They have never been further than the qualifying rounds in their three entries into the Vase. Bristol Academy finished seventh in the Gloucestershire County League (step seven) last season, and made their Vase debut, losing 2-0 to Bradford Town in the Second Qualifying Round.

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