Wednesday 21st July 2021

Bailey Gallagher and Chris Taylor may be at the opposite end of their respective careers, but Royal Wootton Bassett Town manager Sam Collier has high hopes that both players will make significant contributions to his side's 2021-22 Hellenic League Premier Division campaign.

The midfielders are two of the latest players to have put pen to paper at the Gerard Buxton Sports Ground – and the Bassett boss is more than happy to have them on board.

A vibrant, young attacking midfielder who is not afraid to take defenders on, Gallagher will be aiming to cement a first place after starring for the club's Development side in each of the past three seasons.

He made his Development team debut in 2018-19, while still featuring in Bassett's youth section, scoring four times in thirteen games. 22 appearances yielded seven goals in 2019-20 before he produced a return of six goals in nine Wiltshire League Premier Division matches in last year's abbreviated campaign.

So far Gallagher's first team opportunities have been limited to three games across the past two seasons, though he did perform strongly when appearing as a substitute in Bassett's FA Cup triumphs against Chipping Sodbury Town and Didcot Town last year.

And his performances so far this preseason have stood out, with goals against Downton and in the in-house friendly against Bassett's Development team.

Taylor, meanwhile, is a much more established performer. The experienced former Swindon Supermarine, Cirencester Town and Highworth Town player was a strong performer for Bassett in his debut campaign with the club. He featured 19 times and typically controlled proceedings with his classy, controlled style in the centre of midfield.

Commenting on his signing, Collier said: "Chris is the best footballer I have worked with. His quality and bravery on the ball are as good as anyone I have seen at non-league level. And his fitness levels are also ridiculous and prove that it doesn't matter what ag you are."

"I'm delighted to have him return and help push us on."

Collier has also strengthened his defensive options with the signing of Scott Chilcott. The full-back signs from Shrivenham and also counts Pewsey Vale and Fairford Town – with whom he won the Hellenic League Division One West title in the 2016-17 season – among his former teams.

Last modified on Wednesday 21st July 2021 at 13:33.