Monday 27th July 2026

For Royal Wootton Bassett Town Men's First Team it has been another summer of significant change. But, unlike last year, this one has brought a strong degree of familiarity.

Entering his second year in charge, Jonny Aitkenhead has overhauled his squad. That in itself is perhaps unsurprising given last season when Bassett finished 16th with the manager using 53 different players.

The eye-catching squad Aitkenhead has fashioned for his sophomore year now represents an enticing fusion of the best young talent Bassett had on display in 2025-26, matched with the experience and quality that Bassett possessed in the seasons before he took the helm.

Indeed, in a reversal of what happened last summer, a quartet of quality players have come back across to Bassett having spent 2025-26 with Fairford Town - forward (and new captain) Alfie Presley, midfield maestros Tommy Ouldridge and Jack Hobson-McVeigh, and dynamic full back Louis Spalding.

Further quality has then also been added in the form of midfielders Joah Hall and Harrison Edwards (both also arriving from Cinder Lane), lively forward Kye Williams (who rejoins from Thatcham Town), experienced defender Will Davidson (a Player of the Year award winner with Highworth Town in 2025-26) and young shotstopper Josh Sawyer (a Chippenham Town Academy product).

Those signings mean that the departures of the highly talented Ben Cleary, Harry Messenger, Alex Kieh and Gabe Reivers - all of who the club wishes well as they ply their trade at a higher level - have all largely been accounted for.

All told, the Bassett boss has built a squad with strength in depth that, on paper, offers plenty of promise and excitement. Now comes the task of translating that into results on the pitch.

That in itself won't be easy - as evidenced by Bassett's up and down series of preseason friendlies. But the experience in adversity that the Bassett boss obtained in his first year in charge will stand him and his team in good stead as they enter the new campaign.

Last year Bassett's season could be split into three distinct parts. Bassett got off to a very difficult start (their FA Cup success aside), before an outstanding run that saw them become the form team in the division over a prolonged period moved them away from the danger of relegation.

That run was necessary because Bassett finished on a nine game winless streak. Yet what may have been a barren spell points-wise masked what, in terms of performances, was actually quite an impressive stretch as Bassett pushed a number of the top teams in the division close.

What Bassett lacked was the cunning and experience that has now been added.

And, with their refreshed squad, Bassett will be hoping to hit the ground running. The first month of the season certainly offers opportunities to put points on the board - assuming Bassett click and play to their potential.

Aitkenhead's side open at Hallen - who finished a place above last season in 15th (though they did reach the FA Vase semi finals) - before welcoming Western League transfers Bradford Town in their home opener. There follows, after FA Cup and Vase commitments, a trip to rebuilding Fairford Town. August then ends with the visit of Thornbury Town (17th last season) and a derby date at newly promoted Devizes Town.

Those five games should certainly provide a good early barometer as to how far Bassett can go this year. Competing for a place in the top half will be the primary goal. But there is no harm in having the ambition to aim higher still - while also seeking to finally end the Men's First Team's wait for a cup final appearance that is now entering its 26th year.

Fire up the engines and get on board - it promises to be another exciting Hellenic League season.

Last modified on Monday 27th July 2026 at 15:52.