Wednesday 27th May 2026

Royal Wootton Bassett Town have made a change in their Development team management structure.

After six seasons with the Development side, including the past four as manager, the team will be moving into the 2026- 2027 season without Mark Simpkins at the helm.

Mark leaves with the club's best wishes and sincere thanks for his outstanding efforts in what at times can be a challenging role.

Simpkins, a former captain of the Men's First Team during his playing days, played a pivotal role as coach in Bassett's 2021-22 title winning campaign.

Meanwhile over the past four seasons with Simpkins as manager, the Development team have continued to be highly competitive playing a positive brand of football in a division that has grown stronger and stronger each year in terms of the calibre of opposition.

Stepping up to the role as manager will be Josh Connolly who served in an assistant capacity with the Development team last season. He will be joined by coaches Steve Heary and Lee Chamberlain.

Commenting on the changes, Head of Men's Section Rab MacLeod said: "I want to personally thank Mark for all he has done with the Development team, as well as for helping me as I adjusted into my role in the club. He is a proper football person and will add real value to any club. We wish him every success in the future."

Last modified on Wednesday 27th May 2026 at 19:46.