Bassett appoint director of football (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Bassett appoint director of football

10:27am Wednesday 20th June 2007 in Football By Gazette Sport Reporter

CHRIS Jones has been appointed director of football at Wootton Bassett Town ahead of the new Hellenic League season.

Jones, who has coaching experience with the first team, reserves and under 18s at Rylands Way, will cast his eye over developments on and off the field at the north Wiltshire club.

Manager Paul Burke explained: "Chris has been here for four years now and he has the respect of everybody at the club.

"He has worked with players of all levels and is a very good communicator.

"He will act as a go-between for the management and the board, which should create an atmosphere of harmony around the club."

Another new position of club coach' has been created, with former Bassett sweeper Rob Hopkins filling the role.

Hopkins, who holds a Uefa A licence, had been coaching in Birmingham last season but has returned to Wiltshire to assist his old team.

"I'm glad Rob is back because the other coaches and the players can learn a lot from him," said Burke.

"It will take some of the pressure off the rest of the management team and allow us to step back and look at things from a distance.

"Lee Marshall is also going to join the coaching staff. He will sign on as a player, but this is a chance for him to develop his coaching skills as well."

Meanwhile Burke is still on the hunt for a 20-goal striker to help his side mount a promotion challenge in Division One West.

He is also targeting two "experienced players" to bring more balance to his youthful squad.

Midfielder Chris Mills scooped the top award at the club's annual presentation evening last Friday.

Mills was Burke's choice as manager's player of the year, while Matty Bennett was named players' player of the year.

Other award winners: supporters' player of the year: Steve Yeardley, reserve team players' player: Simon Jones, reserve team manager's player: Danny Ovens, under 18s manager's player: Steve Groom, under 18s players' player: Jonny Aitkenhead.