Tuesday 5th July 2016
Among Royal Wootton Bassett Town's latest quartet of signings are three familiar faces and one old friend, who returns to the club where his journey in football began.
Young defender Dan Comer and midfielders Dan Bailey and Tyler Sheppard have all been retained from last year's squad, while pacey attacking midfielder Josh Shama, a former member of Bassett's youth section, has also signed.
Full back Comer enjoyed a stellar first season in senior football at the Gerard Buxton Sports Ground. Arguably the team's most consistent player throughout the course of the year, he made 46 appearances, contributing two goals, both of which came in a 2-0 home win against Thame United.
The skilful Bailey will be entering his third season with the club. Scorer of 19 goals in his first campaign with Bassett, he contributed seven goals from midfield last term, including dramatic late winners at home against Ardley United and Brimscombe and Thrupp.
Meanwhile, Sheppard, a physical, hard-working wideman who is also capable of leading the line, will be beginning his fourth campaign with Bassett. Initially signed by Jeff Roberts, he netted twice in sixteen appearances in 2015/16.
It's been a number of years since Shama has pulled on a Bassett shirt. Beginning with the club as an under nine, he was a member of a highly talented side, which also included Aaron Oakley. Shama's qualities were evident from a young age, and he was picked up by Reading. After a number of years with the Royals' academy, he narrowly missed out on a professional contract at the Madejski Stadium, but was snapped up by Oxford United.
While with the Us, he spent time out on loan at Farnborough and Banbury United before being released in the summer of 2015. Last season Shama spent time at Cypriot Second Division side Nikos & Sokratis Erimis and Southern League Mangotsfield United.
These four signings continue the process of building a stronger, more competitive squad. And manager Paul Braithwaite is expecting to secure the signatures of a few more key players in the coming days too.
Last modified on Tuesday 5th July 2016 at 22:42.
