Monday 31st March 2025

They say all good things have to come to an end. And so it is with Sam Collier's reign as Royal Wootton Bassett Town Men's First Team manager.

Collier and his assistant Alan Griffin will be stepping down from their roles when the season ends - and will leave Bassett with big shoes to fill.

Both depart on very good terms, having helped deliver a sustained period of success for Bassett in the Hellenic League Premier Division.

Indeed, during the seven and a half years in which Collier's has been in charge Bassett have finished higher than ever before in the Hellenic League Premier Division, reached the 2023-24 promotion playoff final, achieved record-setting runs in the FA Vase - with three consecutive trips to the third round, and gone on a record-equalling run in the FA Cup.

All that is missing from that list of achievements is some silverware. But there is still the chance to deliver that with the potential for Collier to lead his team out in the Marsh Challenge Cup final in his last game - if Bassett succeed in their forthcoming semi final.

Assuming the role in January 2018 initially on an interim basis, Collier has been Bassett's longest tenured Men's First Team manager this side of the Millennium.

His initial task was to secure safety in the Hellenic League Premier Division. And, despite a slow start saw his team winless in his first nine matches in charge, Bassett finished the 2018-19 campaign in 15th.

That helped Collier secure the manager's position on a permanent basis. And he would guide Bassett to a tenth place finish in 2019-20 - which at that point was the club's highest ever placing in the Hellenic Premier.

Covid interrupted the following two seasons, but that did not prevent Bassett having cup success.

Bassett equalled their best FA Cup and Vase runs in 2020-21. Their FA Cup performance that year was particularly impressive with upset away wins against Southern League sides Didcot Town and Cinderford Town helping Bassett reach the second qualifying round where they lost narrowly at home to National League South Oxford City - a side three levels above Bassett. In the Vase, Bassett advanced to the second round for only the third time in club history, and also reached the Hellenic League Challenge Cup semi finals that season.

More cup success followed in 2021-22 - the season Griffin joined in a playing capacity and quickly established himself as a cult hero. The first full post-pandemic season, Bassett finished 12th in the league and advanced to the FA Vase third round for the first time ever thanks to wins against Knaphill, Portishead Town, Downton and Torpoint Athletic before losing to eventual semi finalists Hamworthy United.

2022-23 was another record-setting year, with Griffin joining Collier in the dugout as his assistant, replacing Matt Bulman. After a run to the FA Cup first qualifying round, Bassett again reached the Vase third round - where they lost on penalties to Corsham Town who, like Hamworthy the year before, made it to the semi finals. Meanwhile, Bassett finished fifth in the league - another record placing - and advanced to the Hellenic League Challenge Cup semi finals for a second time.

Last season was then even better. A superb campaign saw Bassett again reach the third round of the FA Vase, suffering an exit on penalties against Bridgwater United, as well as the semi finals of the Wiltshire Premier Shield where they lost narrowly to Swindon Supermarine. In the league, Collier guided Bassett to an outstanding fourth place finish and a place in the promotion playoffs. A 1-0 semi final victory away at Highworth Town took Bassett through to the final. Played at the Sustain Stadium in front of a near-four figure crowd, Bassett would ultimately lose 4-0 to Cinderford Town.

This year has seen Bassett narrowly miss out on another playoff placing in what has been a highly competitive division. Bassett again advanced to the Wiltshire Premier Shield semi finals, coming up just short once more against Supermarine. Collier and Griffin will now seek to finally guide Bassett to a cup final with their last game (hopefully games) to come in the Hellenic League Challenge Cup.

Commenting on the decision, Chairman Paul Gerrish said:

"I can't thank Sam and Griff enough for their contribution to the club both on and off the pitch."

"Contrasting characters have come together to form a formidable management duo."

"Sam is surely the busiest manager in the league. He is fiercely loyal to his players but constantly looking to improve his squad, forging links with other clubs near and far, searching for the right players all the while putting out teams that play attractive football enjoyed by our ever growing fan base."

"Griff may be the quieter one, but his very presence inspires those around him and he has so often proved he can still do a job on the pitch."

"Lots will be said and written about these two going forward, including much more from me, but for now on behalf of everyone at the club - our committee, volunteers, fellow managers and coaches, players and supporters, a huge thank you to both of you and we wish you every success in your goals at a higher level."

"Now, let's finish the season off in style and get that silverware that you both so deserve."

Last modified on Monday 31st March 2025 at 17:04.