Thursday 3rd April 2025

Adam Wood will be stepping down as Royal Wootton Bassett Town Women's First Team manager at the end of the 2024-25 season.

Wood announced his decision after last weekend's 5-0 victory against SGS Olveston United.

Wood joined Bassett's managerial staff in January 2023. Initially assistant manager, he took over as manager in July of that year.

In his first season in charge, Wood guided Bassett to a runners-up finish in the South West Regional Women's Football League Division One Eastern, while also overseeing a run to the Women's FA Cup third qualifying round with victories against Longwell Green and Stockwood Wanderers before a narrow home loss against AFC Stoneman.

Bassett again reached the third and final qualifying round of the Women's FA Cup this season, beating Ross Juniors and Ilminster Town before defeat away against Torquay United. Wood also guided Bassett to the semi finals of the Wiltshire Women's Cup where they suffered a narrow loss against Swindon Town.

Bassett have once again been highly competitive in the league after a switch to Division One North of the South West Women's Regional Football League. And Wood's side are on course for a third place finish (though still have an outside shot at claiming a second consecutive runners-up finish).

While stepping down from his managerial role, Wood - who recently took on the role of Club Development Officer - will remain with Bassett. 

Commenting on his decision, Wood said: "This is a decision I have not taken lightly but is one I feel will benefit the Women's setup in the long run. This season in particular has been challenging on and off the field as well as away from football"

"When it comes to managing football teams like I have done for many years, I put so much energy and drive into getting a half decent job done and I think now I can't really give the commitment I think the job needs. I hope though I can still offer some assistance in a coaching capacity."

"I am personally gutted I couldn't get the team back where it belongs in tier five. However, I do feel the squad has a great amount of quality and the ambition this club has for the women's and girls setup is very exciting."

"Away from football, my children are getting older and I want to be invested in their interests - which I hope at least one may be football"

"I'd like to thank Bryan Wood, Paul Gerrish and everyone involved with Bassett for welcoming me - and putting up with me in this short span as manager. And I look forward to helping this great club move forward in other ways."

"In the meantime we have three games left of the season. Everyone has my word that nothing will change in terms of my determination to help this team finish the season on a high."

Chairman Paul Gerrish added: "A bit like buses, two come along together with Adam deciding to step down so soon after Men's Team manager Sam Collier."

"Adam has been a pleasure to work with in the relatively short time he has been  in charge of the Women's team.  Like Sam, Adam has proved himself to be a real club man, always happy to help around."

"I am delighted that he will be staying with us to get his teeth into the Club Development Officer role and no doubt be available to help out with his passion for coaching."

Last modified on Thursday 3rd April 2025 at 20:10.