Sunday 5th July 2015

Royal Wootton Bassett Town manager Paul Braithwaite has wasted little time since the start of preseason, bolstering his squad as Bassett’s second year manager and his charges seek to build on last year’s record setting campaign.

Already the Bassett boss, who guided his side to their highest ever finish of 11th in the Hellenic League Premier Division in his first season in charge, has captured the signature of defenders Adam Corcoran and Dane Moulden and central midfielder Steve Olphert, with all joining from local rivals Shrivenham.

For the powerful Corcoran, comfortable at both centre half and full back, it’s a return to the club he made 102 appearances for in a three year spell that began in 2011. Strong in the tackle and assured on the ball, his qualities will bolster a defence that conceded 78 goals in 38 league games last term. As a fine striker of the ball and given his aerial ability, Corcoran will provide a goal threat too; indeed, in his last season with Bassett he notched five goals.

Moulden also returns to the club. The dependable full back was a member of Bassett’s Under 18s Floodlit League side during the 2008-09 season. While still only being 24, he brings plenty of Hellenic League experience with him, having featured for Cricklade Town and Fairford Town in addition to Shrivenham.

Hardworking and strong-tackling midfielder Olphert is another coup. Prior to his time at Shrivenham, he captained Clanfield. In all, Olphert appeared over 300 times for the Robins and made a name for himself as one of Division One West’s better players through his all-round game.

Braithwaite will also be delighted that seven of last year’s squad have already put pen to paper.

At the back, the hugely impressive young full back Dale Richards and centre half Nathan Hawkins – both of whom made more than 40 appearances in 2014-15, have both committed. Midfield anchor Richie Carter, last season’s joint-leading appearance maker, has signed too.

At the opposite end of the pitch, prolific striker Steve Robertson, who bagged 12 goals in just 16 games, leads the names of those who have re-signed. He is joined by a trio of wide men – Ryan Thomas, Tyler Sheppard and Jack Ellis - who all offer something different.

Thomas, limited by injury last season, can be a threat to all defenders on his day thanks to his trickery and intelligent play. A contrasting, but equally effective player, Sheppard uses his combative, hustling style to create difficulties for the opposition. Meanwhile, Ellis, who returned to Bassett in March, is a mix of the two, with his turn of pace being an additional weapon.

Bassett step up their preseason preparations this week, with their first friendly – a first and reserve team doubleheader - away at Purton on Saturday.

Last modified on Sunday 5th July 2015 at 16:41.