Thursday 18th August 2016

Paul Braithwaite has resigned as Royal Wootton Bassett Town first team manager with immediate effect.

He departs the club along with assistant manager Chris Green and first team coach Martyn Robinson, who have also stood down from their positions.

Braithwaite's departure comes four games into Bassett's Hellenic League Premier Division campaign. In all he was at the helm for just over two seasons.

He joined the club along with Green from Fairford Town in the summer of 2014, taking over the reins from Jeff Roberts.

Despite a complete overhaul of the squad and having to deal with the final year of Bassett's groundshare at Cirencester Town, Braithwaite led the team to the highest league finish in their history in his first season.

With a vibrant, young squad that played highly attractive football, Bassett finished eleventh in the league, went on a nine game unbeaten run towards the end of the season and sealed a record points and goals haul in the Hellenic Premier.

In addition to the successful league campaign, Braithwaite also oversaw memorable away victories in the FA Cup against Brockenhurst and in the FA Vase at Cove.

Last year, in the club's opening season at the New Gerard Buxton Sports Ground, Bassett's league performance regressed slightly as a positive start petered out and Braithwaite's side ultimately finished 15th. Nevertheless, Bassett again enjoyed success in the FA Vase, defeating league rivals Binfield by the odd goal in seven in a thrilling replay away from home.

With a revamped squad, Bassett had taken one win from their opening four games in all competitions in the 2016-17 campaign before Braithwaite announced his decision to resign to the Executive Committee following the 3-0 home defeat against Thame United.

Commenting on the decision, club Chairman Andy Walduck said: "The club would like to thank Paul and Chris for all their efforts during their time with Bassett. Despite taking over in difficult circumstances while we were still groundsharing with Cirencester, they put together a competitive side, who enjoyed a number of successes and memorable victories, and also set club records."

"We wish them well for the future, and hope to see them at the Gerard Buxton Sports Ground again."

The club will now start the search for a suitable successor, and details for those interested in applying for the position will be available in due course.

Last modified on Thursday 18th August 2016 at 22:02.