Tuesday 2nd September 2025

"The more things change, the more things stay the same" So goes a French proverb - and so it goes for Royal Wootton Bassett Town as they begin their 2025-26 season.

A change of manager has seen James Lally take over from Adam Wood who stood down in May after two years at the helm.

But while there will be a different face in the dugout for Bassett, most else stays the same.

Bassett's squad is little changed. Above all, their goal for the new campaign will be the same one as for the past two seasons - to secure promotion back to tier five of the Women's football pyramid.

Bassett have come ever so close to achieving that two years running, falling just short as South West Regional Women's Football League Division One Eastern runners-up in 2023-24 before a third place finish in Division One North in 2024-25.

With just one promotion spot guarantees, it will be a tough ask. But Lally and his team are focused on the task.

The competition will once again be strong. 2024-25 runners-up Bitton will arguably be favourites to go one better. And, alongside Bassett, Bath City, Cirencester Town, Corsham Town - who completed the top half last year - will fancy their chances.

Downend Flyers, Paulton Rovers and Stockwood Wanderers all held Bassett to a draw last season and are again present, while promoted sides AFC Brislington, Whitchurch and Gloucester City Reserves will be aiming to make their mark at this new level.

However, experience is an ingredient that Bassett hope will be of big benefit to them - their trump card.

A settled, talented squad has been added to with two primary additions - midfielder Elle Scott and forward Tori Taylor, who both have played at a higher level for much of their senior careers.

Lally will unfortunately not have young star midfielder Jasmine Kennedy at his disposal for most of the season as she goes to university while last season's top scorer Caitlin Brooks is sidelined through injury.

But there is strength in depth at all positions - and plenty of players hungry to fire Bassett back up.

Indeed, preseason has seen Bassett focus their efforts on playing sides from a higher level.

Results have admittedly been mixed - with defeats to Keynsham Town Development (0-4), Torquay United (0-1) and Forest Green Rovers (0-3) sandwiched between two wins against Pucklechurch Sports (1-0 at home and 4-2 away).

Yet Bassett have shown they can compete with opponents at the level above.

Now attentions turn to earning a place alongside them.

Last modified on Wednesday 3rd September 2025 at 07:40.