Monday 9th July 2018

Royal Wootton Bassett Town are pleased to confirm that Sam Collier (manager), Drew Youngsam (assistant manager) and Rob Hopkins (head coach) will comprise its management team for the 2018-19 Hellenic League Premier Division campaign.

Collier took over as interim manager in January, with support provided by Hopkins, before being handed over the reins on a permanent basis at the end of last season.

Youngsam, meanwhile, joins from local rivals Highworth Town where he served as assistant manager over the past three seasons, helping them lift the Wiltshire Senior Cup title in 2016-17 as well as achieve a third-place finish in 2017-18 that secured them promotion to the Southern League.

All three individuals have previously represented Bassett as players, and both Youngsam and Hopkins – who are UEFA B qualified coaches – have fulfilled coaching roles with the club in the past too.

Youngsam was assistant manager to Jeff Roberts in 2013-14, while Hopkins provided support during Paul Burke's tenure as manager.

Bassett are already two weeks into their pre-season training programme, with their first friendly set to take place on Tuesday 10th July against Clanfield (7.30pm kick off, Gerard Buxton Sports Ground AGP).

The squad is coming together nicely too, with a solid mix of experience and youth expected to form its core.

Those committing to remain with Bassett so far include last season's double Player of the Year award winner Gio Wrona, midfielders Kai Robinson and Dale Richards, defenders Adam Corcoran and Carl Evans as well as veteran campaigners Steve Yeardley and Tony Joyce.

In addition, Collier has also secured the services of experienced goalkeeper Matt Bulman, winger Matt Bennett, young midfielders Dan Cole, Jake Johns and Josh Shama – the latter a former Bassett youth section player – and former Hellenic League Premier Division title winner Danny Lachacz.

Last modified on Monday 9th July 2018 at 11:30.