Sunday 1st July 2018

Royal Wootton Bassett Town are pleased to announce the appointment of Jonathon House and James Goddard as joint managers of its Ladies team.

The pair take over the side from Becky Gammon, who will now be concentrating on her role as Head of Ladies and Girls Section.

And they will be hoping to build on a hugely successful first season in the South West Women's Football League Eastern, in which Bassett finished second, while also reaching the final of the Wiltshire County Women's Cup.

House joins from fellow South West Women's Eastern Division side FC Chippenham, who he has guided to fifth and seventh place finishes over the past two seasons. He is currently studying for his UEFA B Coaching Licence.

Meanwhile, Goddard, an FA Level Two qualified coach, brings a great deal of managerial experience in the men's game, having been in charge of Trowbridge Rangers, Westbury United and Frome Town Sports.

Both managers are also currently involved with the Wiltshire County FA Advanced Girls Coaching Centre, with House serving as the under 14s head coach and Goddard as coach for that age group.

Commenting on the appointments, Becky Gammon said: "We're delighted to appoint Jonny and James as joint managers for the Ladies team."

"Both were very impressive when we interviewed them, and we are convinced that they will work well together and continue to take the Ladies team forward."

"They have great experience too. Jonny comes in with knowledge of what to expect in the South West Women's League thanks to his time at FC Chippenham, while James has cut his teeth in men's football, having taken charge of teams in the Western and Somerset County Leagues."

Chairman Andy Walduck added: "Following the decision from Becky, who was supported by Brian Wood, to stand down as manager, I was delighted that she will remain with the club as Head of Ladies Section, which offers the club continuity."

"And to have both Jonny and James join to drive the Ladies team forward gives us a strong platform for the future. They are both highly qualified and full of experience, and backed by the great facilities that the club has, can only lead to success on the field of play."

The Ladies will begin pre-season training on Thursday 5th July at the Gerard Buxton Sports Ground.

Sessions will be held weekly in the build-up to the season and take place between 8 and 9.30pm. All players are invited to attend.

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Bassett's new managerial team know the opposition they will be facing next season, with the South West Women's League constitution having been confirmed last weekend.

Bassett will once again be playing in the Eastern Division, and will have two more Wiltshire derbies to look forward after the promotion of County League winners – and County Cup semi-finalists - Trowbridge Town and runners-up Laverstock and Ford. Bassett faced the latter in the County Cup quarter finals, triumphing 6-2.

They will also reacquaint themselves with AEK Boco after their relegation from the Premier Division. Opponents in the Gloucestershire County Women's League until Boco won the title in 2015-16, Bassett last faced the Bristol-based side in the 2016-17 FA Women's Cup, losing 3-1 after extra time.

Also entering the division are Frampton Rangers, who finished as undefeated champions of the Gloucestershire County League Division One, thus securing a hugely impressive third successive promotion.

Moving on up to the Premier Division are Portishead Town, who pipped Bassett to the title on goal difference, while Frome Town have been relegated.

The full constitution is as follows:

AEK Boco
Almondsbury
Cheltenham Civil Service
Cheltenham Town Development
FC Chippenham
Frampton Rangers
Laverstock and Ford
Oldland Abbotonians
Royal Wootton Bassett Town
St Nicholas Reserves
Swindon Spitfires
Swindon Town Development
Team Mendip
Trowbridge Town

Last modified on Sunday 1st July 2018 at 17:44.