Royal Wootton Bassett Town F.C.

Royal Wootton Bassett Town
Full name Royal Wootton Bassett Town Football Club
Nickname(s) Bassett
Founded November 1882 (Re-founded in June 1930 after folding in 1908)
Ground New Gerard Buxton Sports Ground,
Brinkworth Road,
Royal Wootton Bassett,
Swindon,
Wiltshire,
SN4 8DS
Chairman Andy Walduck
Manager Paul Braithwaite
League Hellenic League Premier Division
2014–15 Hellenic League Premier Division, 11th

Royal Wootton Bassett Town Football Club are an English football club based in the town of Royal Wootton Bassett in Wiltshire.

The club has three senior, one ladies, 19 youth and mini soccer and one girls teams and is affiliated to the Wiltshire County Football Association. The record match attendance was 2,103 versus Swindon Town in July 1991. The club's first team are currently members of the Hellenic League Premier Division at level nine of the English football league system.

History

Situated in the small market town six miles west of Swindon, Royal Wootton Bassett Town have been playing football since their establishment in November 1882, making the club one of the oldest in the county of Wiltshire. Since 1930, when the club was reformed after a two decade hiatus, Bassett have played at the Gerard Buxton Sports Ground at Rylands Way. The ground was donated by local dignitary Major Gerard Buxton for sporting activities within the town and opened in May 1930. Currently the club is preparing to relocate and their first team play home games at the Corinium Stadium, home of Cirencester Town. The ground at Rylands Way was still used by the club's Reserve, Development and Ladies teams up until early 2014.

After one season in the Vale of the White League, Bassett entered the Swindon & District League in 1899. Progress made there culminated in the side entering the Wiltshire County League in 1903-04, a year after the club made the finals of both the Advertiser Cup and the Wiltshire Senior Cup.[1][2]

Bassett made the final of the Wiltshire Senior Cup again during its first year playing at county level, but lost to Swindon Town Reserves.[3]

At the time, the County League featured clubs such as Melksham Town, Devizes Town and Chippenham Town as well as – from further afield – Bath City and Yeovil Casuals (now Yeovil Town). Bassett had mixed fortunes during its spell in this division, coming last in 1904/05 before finishing runners-up a year later.[4] During this period, the club’s home games took place at ‘The Close’, upon which Tanners Close now stands, whilst they were based at ‘The Royal Oak’ public house.

Bassett resigned from the Wiltshire County League in the summer of 1908 after failing to comply with league regulations which insisted players must reside within a specific radius of the town – the majority of the Bassett side at the time lived in Swindon, while financial pressures meant the club would fold.

Years in the wilderness followed, thanks partly to the First World War – during which The Royal Oak was used as a barracks for German prisoners of war – and the presence of the 1920/21 FA Amateur Cup finalists Swindon Victoria, who for many years played in the town.

However, owing to the opening of the Gerard Buxton Sports Ground in May 1930 and the desire for it to have tenants alongside the town cricket club, the football club was revived. Starting in the Calne & District League, Bassett had much early success, finishing runners-up in 1930-31 before going on to win the league on three occasions. The division featured teams from numerous surrounding villages such as Clyffe Pypard, Bushton and Lyneham – a stark contrast to the sides Bassett competed against three decades earlier.

Re-election to the now expanded Wiltshire League followed, but Bassett struggled to compete with the likes of Westbury United, Devizes and Purton.

Fortunes began to change following the Second World War, and Bassett twice came close to reaching the First Round Proper of the FA Amateur Cup – in the 1946/47 season it was the last Wiltshire club standing, but was beaten 9–0 by Cornish side St Austell in the final qualifying round.[5]

Bassett steadily rose up the Wiltshire League Division One table during the 1950s. After narrowly missing out on the title two seasons earlier, they were crowned as champions in 1958-59.[6] A year later, now playing in the Wiltshire Premier Division, Bassett enjoyed another successful season, embarking on a nine game FA Amateur Cup run that saw them again fall one game short of reaching the First Round Proper.[5]

The club generally found the going tough in its new league surroundings. However, they were up against strong opposition, which included numerous clubs from outside the county, namely Somerset sides Paulton Rovers, Radstock Town, Frome Town, Clandown and Peasedown Athletic, as well as Stonehouse Town from Gloucestershire.

Restructuring of the County League came at the end of the 1960s. This saw Bassett enter the Wiltshire Combination and pitted them against more local sides. During the eight years of this competition, Bassett’s best finish was fifth in 1969-70.[7]

In 1976 the Wiltshire County Football League was established after another reorganisation of the game in the county. Bassett were placed in Division One but lasted two seasons before being relegated. They secured promotion a year later, but immediately went back down in 1979-80.

Steady progress eventually led to Bassett winning the Division Two title in 1984-85. In Division One, under the stewardship of Micky Woolford, Bassett won the league and promotion to the Hellenic League in 1987-88. That same year they again finished runners-up in the final of the Wiltshire Senior Cup, losing 1–0 to Purton.[8]

Woolford remained manager until 1995, overseeing a spell in which Bassett established themselves in Hellenic League Division One. During this period Bassett reached the final of the Hellenic League Division One Cup three times, winning it twice in 1989/90[9] and 1993/94.

Bassett won its first County Cup title in 1998-99, beating Pewsey Vale 3–2 after extra time in the final held at the County Ground.[10] A year later they gained promotion to the Hellenic League Premier Division having finished third in Division One.[11]

In its first season in the Premier Division, Bassett secured a mid-table position, and also won the Wiltshire Senior Cup for a second time by defeating Shrewton United 2–0.[12] A year later the club reached the First Round of the FA Vase for the first time, losing at home to Cornish side St Blazey. However, in the league Bassett became involved in numerous relegation battles, eventually falling back to Division One West after finishing 21st in the 2004/05 season.[13]

Bassett came close to securing an immediate return to the Hellenic Premier Division in 2005-06, following a three month unbeaten spell from the end of January. However, a 1–0 defeat at Trowbridge Town in the penultimate game of the year saw Bassett finish fifth in Division One West, one point shy of third place and a promotion spot.[14]

Underachievement followed during the next two years, although season 2007-08 saw Bassett advance to the First Qualifying Round of the FA Cup after wins over local rivals Highworth Town and Southern League side Bracknell Town.[15]

A 15th place finish in that season was Bassett’s lowest ever in the Hellenic League, but a year later they were again battling for promotion and having cup success. Bassett went further than ever before in the FA Vase, reaching the Second Round Proper, where they were defeated 4–0 at 1992 winners Wimborne Town.[16] Throughout the year, Bassett were promotion candidates, but defeat at Trowbridge late in the season meant they finished fourth.[17]

A return to the Hellenic Premier Division was finally achieved in 2009-10 as Bassett finished runners-up to Slimbridge on goal difference after losing three league games all season.[18]

They enjoyed another FA Cup run in the 2010-11 season. Bradford Town were beaten 4–3 on penalties in a replay. In the Preliminary Round Bassett defeated Western League side Almondsbury UWE 1–0 to reach the First Qualifying Round for the second time in the club's history. They were knocked out at that stage, however, by Hamble ASSC in another replay.[15]

In the league Bassett enjoyed a good start, defeating eventual champions Wantage Town in September. They soon became engaged in a battle against relegation though and wound up finishing 15th.[19] The club were eventually demoted after Rylands Way was deemed not to have met ground grading criteria.[20]

Back in Division One West for the 2011-12 season, Bassett hoped to challenge for promotion. Despite an up and down campaign this was still a possibility late in the season before they wound up fifth.[21]

2012-13, Bassett's final season at Rylands Way, would see them secure a return to the Hellenic League Premier Division, as they came runners-up behind Brimscombe & Thrupp in Division One West. Manager Dave Turner, who stood down at the end of the campaign, also led the team to the Second Qualifying round of the FA Cup, where Bassett were defeated by Conference South side Dorchester Town.[15]

Over the last decade and a half the club has expanded, with the establishment of a large Youth Section and a Ladies Section. The club now operates 24 teams from under 8s upwards. This growth led to the club being awarded Charter Development Club status by the FA before this was upgraded to Community Club status. Bassett were the first club in Wiltshire to achieve this. International ties have also been established, with three youth section teams touring Holland annually. This has led to a relationship with amateur side FC 's-Gravenzande, who are based near The Hague.

Plans are also in place to see the club relocate along with the other members of the Wootton Bassett Sports Association to a purpose built site on the edge of town. This will allow the club to accommodate its sides on one facility, something which is currently not possible. Work is set to begin on this facility in 2014.

On July 1, 2015 the club officially changed its name from Wootton Bassett Town, incorporating 'Royal' into its name to reflect the royal patronage granted to the town in 2011.

Ground

Since 2015 Royal Wootton Bassett Town play at the New Gerard Buxton Sports Ground, Brinkworth Road. Their Reserve, Development and Ladies teams all play home fixtures at Royal Wootton Bassett Rugby Football Club's Ballards Ash ground.

Honours

League honours

Cup honours

Records

Hellenic League Seasons

Year Division Position P W D L F A Pts Notes
1988–89 Division One 5/15 28 11 7 10 50 41 40
1989–90 Division One 7/16 30 13 8 9 52 35 47 Hellenic League Division One Cup Winners
1990–91 Division One 8/16 30 11 8 11 32 36 41
1991–92 Division One 12/17 32 10 8 14 45 59 38
1992–93 Division One 12/16 30 8 6 16 40 53 30
1993–94 Division One 9/18 34 15 8 11 65 57 53 Hellenic League Division One Cup Winners
1994–95 Division One 9/20 38 18 5 15 67 68 59 Hellenic League Division One Cup Runners-up
1995–96 Division One 10/18 34 12 9 13 50 64 45
1996–97 Division One 11/17 32 9 8 15 37 50 35
1997–98 Division One 10/17 32 12 6 14 67 58 42
1998–99 Division One 5/17 32 17 7 8 64 43 58 Wilts Senior Cup Winners
1999-00 Division One 3/15 28 15 7 6 54 32 52 Promoted
2000–01 Premier Division 13/20 38 14 10 14 54 60 52 Wilts Senior Cup Winners
2001–02 Premier Division 19/22 42 11 9 22 39 75 42
2002–03 Premier Division 15/21 40 10 10 20 36 70 40
2003–04 Premier Division 16/22 42 11 5 26 38 73 38
2004–05 Premier Division 21/22 42 6 9 27 30 85 27 Relegated
2005–06 Division One West 5/18 34 17 10 7 58 30 61
2006–07 Division One West 11/18 34 14 5 15 64 62 47
2007–08 Division One West 15/18 34 11 3 20 43 66 36
2008–09 Division One West 4/17 32 17 9 6 61 30 60
2009–10 Division One West 2/16 30 20 7 3 74 34 67 Promoted as Division One West Runners-up
2010–11 Premier Division 15/22 42 13 7 22 55 87 46 Relegated (Demoted)
2011–12 Division One West 5/17 32 15 7 10 69 47 52
2012–13 Division One West 2/16 30 22 3 5 75 40 69 Promoted as Division One West Runners-up
2013–14 Premier Division 14/20 38 11 12 15 60 60 45
2014-15 Premier Division 11/20 38 14 9 15 66 78 51
2015-16 Premier Division 15/20 38 12 5 21 50 86 41

References

  1. 1 2 "WBTFC Wiltshire Senior Cup Runners-up 1902/03". Wootton Bassett Town. 2011-07-03. Retrieved 2013-06-28.
  2. ↑ "WBTFC Advertiser Cup Runners-up 1902/03". Wootton Bassett Town. 2011-07-03. Retrieved 2013-06-28.
  3. 1 2 "WBTFC Wiltshire Senior Cup Runners-up 1903/04". Wootton Bassett Town. 2011-07-03. Retrieved 2013-06-28.
  4. ↑ "WBTFC First Team 1905/06". Wootton Bassett Town. 2013-03-02. Retrieved 2013-06-28.
  5. 1 2 "WBTFC FA Amateur Cup History". Wootton Bassett Town. 2013-05-16. Retrieved 2013-06-28.
  6. ↑ "WBTFC Wiltshire League Division One Champions 1958/59". Wootton Bassett Town. 2012-10-10. Retrieved 2013-06-28.
  7. ↑ "WBTFC First Team 1969/70". Wootton Bassett Town. 2012-07-29. Retrieved 2013-06-28.
  8. 1 2 "WBTFC Wiltshire Senior Cup Runners-up 1987/88". Wootton Bassett Town. 2011-07-03. Retrieved 2013-06-28.
  9. 1 2 "WBTFC Hellenic League Division One Cup winners 1989/90". Wootton Bassett Town. 2011-07-03. Retrieved 2013-06-30.
  10. 1 2 "WBTFC Wiltshire Senior Cup Winners 1998/99". Wootton Bassett Town. 2011-07-03. Retrieved 2013-06-28.
  11. ↑ "WBTFC First Team 1999/2000". Wootton Bassett Town. 2012-10-18. Retrieved 2013-06-30.
  12. 1 2 "WBTFC Wiltshire Senior Cup Winners 2000/01". Wootton Bassett Town. 2011-07-03. Retrieved 2013-06-28.
  13. ↑ "WBTFC First Team 2004/05". Wootton Bassett Town. 2012-07-29. Retrieved 2013-06-30.
  14. ↑ "WBTFC First Team 2005/06". Wootton Bassett Town. 2012-07-29. Retrieved 2013-06-30.
  15. 1 2 3 "WBTFC FA Cup History". Wootton Bassett Town. 2012-12-18. Retrieved 2013-06-30.
  16. ↑ "WBTFC FA Vase History". Wootton Bassett Town. 2012-09-02. Retrieved 2013-06-30.
  17. ↑ "WBTFC First Team 2008/09". Wootton Bassett Town. 2012-07-29. Retrieved 2013-06-30.
  18. ↑ "WBTFC First Team 2009/10". Wootton Bassett Town. 2012-07-29. Retrieved 2013-06-30.
  19. ↑ "WBTFC First Team 2010/11". Wootton Bassett Town. 2012-07-29. Retrieved 2013-06-30.
  20. ↑ "FA decision disappoints Wootton Bassett". Swindon Advertiser. 2011-06-15. Retrieved 2013-06-30.
  21. ↑ "WBTFC First Team 2011/12". Wootton Bassett Town. 2013-05-01. Retrieved 2013-06-30.
  22. 1 2 WOOTTON BASSETT TOWN at the Football Club History Database
  23. ↑ "football.mitoo". football.mitoo. 2012-08-07. Retrieved 2013-06-08.
  24. ↑ "Premier Division Honours". Wiltshirefootballleague.co.uk. Retrieved 2013-06-08.
  25. ↑ "Senior Division 2 Honours". Wiltshirefootballleague.co.uk. Retrieved 2013-06-08.
  26. ↑ "WBTFC Under 18s Wilts FA Youth Floodlit League champions 2010/11". Wootton Bassett Town. 2013-07-06. Retrieved 2013-09-28.
  27. ↑ "Football Club History Database – Wiltshire County Cups Summary". Fchd.info. Retrieved 2013-06-08.
  28. ↑ "Subsidiary Cup". Wiltshirefootballleague.co.uk. Retrieved 2013-06-08.
  29. ↑ "WBTFC Under 18s Wiltshire Youth Cup runners-up 2010/11". Wootton Bassett Town. 2013-07-06. Retrieved 2013-09-28.

External links

Coordinates: 51°32′43.48″N 1°53′46.44″W / 51.5454111°N 1.8962333°W / 51.5454111; -1.8962333

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