WOOTTON Bassett Town tonight appointed Paul Braithwaite as their new first-team manager.

Braithwaite joins the Corinium Stadium-based side from Hellenic League Division One West side Fairford Town, with Chris Green joining him as assistant manager.

The duo take over following the departure of Jeff Roberts, who left last month after disagreements over playing budgets.

Braithwaite had been in charge of Fairford since August 2011, while Green has been his assistant since 2012.

After assisting with Highworth Town’s U18s, Braithwaite’s first taste of management came with Cricklade Town Reserves in 2009-10, guiding them to a fourth-placed finish in Hellenic League Division Two West.

He then moved on to Fairford in October 2010, joining to assist Tommy Dryden.

Braithwaite took over as manager in August 2011 and guided the Reds to the quarter finals of the GFA Challenge Trophy, although they finished second from bottom in the Premier Division.

He almost guided Fairford straight back up as they finished fourth in Division One West in 2012-13, while he also took Fairford to the Floodlit Cup semi-final. Another fourth place finish followed last season, along with progression to the last eight of the Floodlit Cup.

Bassett chairman Andy Walduck said: “We offer a warm welcome to Paul and Chris.”

“The application list was strong, specifically from the internal applicants, making the final decision a hard one.”

“The senior committee met most evenings and adjoining weekends, to allow the discussions process to conclude as quickly as possible. I’d like to thank the fellow members of the committee, especially Danny Groom, for their time during this very busy period.”

“We’re ecstatic to be able to appoint Paul and Chris. The coming season no doubt will be a challenge with another year at Cirencester ahead of our move to the new facility.”

“But with Paul and Chris’s professional approach, which came across strongly during their interview, and the high regard they are held in locally, we feel they are well equipped to meet this and build a strong squad.”

Simon Paish and Simon Packer are leaving Bassett after five years running the reserve team.

“The committee would like to personally thank Simon and Simon for their commitment to the club over the last five years, and, in the case of Simon Paish, several more within our youth section,” added Walduck.

“Their effort both on the pitch and off it – demonstrated by their efforts in renovation works building the covered standing during our final years at Rylands Way – will not be forgotten.

"We were fortunate to hang onto them for one last season, which turned out to be the most successful for our reserve team for a long time.”

“They will both always be welcome at the club and I’m sure we’ll see them both on the local football circuit in the future.”

Dave Terry and Wayne Petrie, who have been in charge of the Development team since its inception two seasons ago, will step up to take charge of the Reserves.

Bassett will look to fill the vacancy for Development team manager and coach and interested parties should contact Walduck on 07980 730905.

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