NEW manager Paul Braithwaite insists he is not planning to dismantle the current Wootton Bassett Town squad as he looks to keep hold of the club’s top players.

Braithwaite was named Bassett manager last weekend and will lead his new side into their upcoming Hellenic League Premier Division campaign after three seasons in charge of Division One West Fairford Town.

The 30-year-old, who lives in Swindon, has already spoken to members of last season’s Bassett squad and is wary of making false promises as he gets to work at the Corinium Stadium.

“Sometimes managers get rid of everyone and bring in 30 new players but I don’t want to do that,” said Braithwaite, who will be assisted Chris Green.

“I’ve heard of some local managers that are calling 50 or 60 players and there’s no way that they’re going to be able to fit them in next season – I won’t be doing that and I want to try and work with the players already at the club.

“We’ve spoken to everyone that we’d like to keep, because there are some good players here. The likes of Steve Yeardley, Jonny Aitkenhead, Shaun Carter are all players that we’d like to stay, along with people like Levi Cox, Sam Ockwell and Callum Parsons.

“I’m sure they’ve got people contacting them offering them this and that but the early response was quite positive, so hopefully we can keep them.

“The club spoke to me about coming over last year but it wasn’t the right time then. It was sad leaving Fairford but I’m sure we’ll be back there to see everyone sometime soon.

“Bassett’s a big club and there are exciting things going on there, like the new stadium next season. Everyone wants to manage at the highest level possible, and the Prem is a great division.”

Bassett are on the hunt for a new development team manager after Dave Terry and Wayne Petrie stepped up to replace departing reserve side management team of Simon Paish and Simon Packer.

To apply for the role, contact chairman Andy Walduck on 07980 730905 or andy.walduck@wbtfc.co.uk.

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