Monday 24th August 2026

Royal Wootton Bassett Town Women's First Team manager James Lally has appointed a five-strong leadership team as his side finalise their preparations for the start of the South West Regional Women's Football League Premier Division campaign.

The quintet of players who have been appointed emphasises the important role that Bassett's experienced players will have in bringing along a young squad.

The leadership group will be comprise three captains, with the captaincy shared between club stalwart Laura Jefferies, veteran centre half Alice Bowden - who previously skippered Swindon Town in the FA Women's National League - and midfielder Elle Scott - who joined Bassett last season and played a crucial role in the team's Division One North title-winning campaign.

Joining them in a leadership capacity will be Hannah Gulliver - a long-serving forward who knows the club inside out, and vastly experienced midfielder Tori Taylor who was another crucial signing last year.

Commenting on the appointments, manager Lally said: "Although they all go about things in their own way, something that connects all five of these players is their work ethic. They are all experienced, they lead by example, and they aren't afraid to be vocal both on and off the pitch. It gives us a really solid core to build around this season

"Jeffers is a true club player. She's been with Bassett her entire playing time and knows the club inside and out. She was ever-present at the back for us last season, works exceptionally hard, and puts in some great deliveries. Laura became more vocal within the group as the season went on, but her leadership really shines in those one-to-one moments with players, a quiet word here and there and an arm around the shoulder when needed."

"I've known Bowds for several years, and she has actually captained a previous team for me where we had some highs and lows together, but those experiences are why I trust her. She brings solid National League experience to the group. She is someone that is highly reflective and her own biggest critic, which sets a great standard, and I can always rely on her to speak her mind honestly to both me and the players."

"Scotty is stepping up as a new captain this year. She was a standout performer for us last season and was already displaying clear leadership qualities without the formal title. She is a real motivating factor within the team and a true winner. There were several games and moments last season where she drove the team forward with her performances in midfield and, particularly in the first half of the season, scored and assisted to bring us control in games and settle us down."

"Hannah is another long-term Bassett player who really understands and loves the club. While she isn't a captain this year, she plays a big role in the leadership group and is a really hardworking player that can always be relied upon and who others look up to. Not only is she a role model within our group, but she'll be continuing with her coaching role in the club's youth section."

"Tori has then been an important player for me in several teams and will have a slightly different role this season. We've given her an explicit focus on supporting the younger players who are coming into the team and stepping up to senior women's football. She has vast experience in the women's game, and she is someone I trust to voice her opinion to me while keeping the players accountable. She popped up with some crucial goals last season, but I felt she really stood out in the tough, nervy moments at the end of last season with her calmness on the pitch and in the dressing room."

Last modified on Monday 24th August 2026 at 19:40.