Veteran Taylor earns Player of the Year double

Chris Taylor was rewarded for another outstanding season for Royal Wootton Bassett Town's Men's First Team as the veteran central midfielder claimed both the Manager's and Players' Player of the Year prizes as the club celebrated the 2023-24 campaign at the Men's Section end of season presentation on Friday evening.

Men's First Team

After another highly successful season in which Sam Collier's side finished fourth in the Hellenic League Premier Division, reached the promotion playoff final and advanced to the third round of the Isuzu FA Vase for the third season in a row, there were a number of players with a realistic chance of picking up a prize in Bassett's end of season awards. The ever-consistent and quality Taylor wound up picking up a Player of the Year double though as the team management and his peers both recognised the midfielder for his outstanding performances throughout the season. In his fourth year with the club, Taylor made 34 appearances – with just one coming from the bench. And his classy displays in the middle of the park, which saw him dictate games on a regular basis, were key to the success Bassett enjoyed. Remarkably fit, Taylor continues to be at the top of his game at 38 years old and it is hoped he will be back again in blue and yellow next season. Joining him in picking up a prize was Golden Boot winner Alfie Presley who collected the Supporters' Player of the Year award. After brief spells at the start of the season with Corsham Town and Abingdon United, the fans' favourite returned to Bassett in October. Featuring 33 times in all, Presley netted 18 goals, including five braces, while also providing multiple vital assists. That put him ten goals clear of next top scorer Tommy Ouldridge. Presley has now been named Supporters' Player of the Year for two years running, while he was also a double Player of the Year award winner in 2019-20. Outstanding young defender Jowan Partridge was also honoured – he took home the Goal of the Season prize for his superb solo goal that opened Bassett's account in a 3-2 win away against Hereford Pegasus. Harry Walters was honoured for the Outstanding Contribution he made across the season. While primarily featuring for the Development team, the young defender was also in and around the Men's First Team and played 18 times – with 14 of those appearances coming from the bench. Walters always made himself available when needed throughout the season, and even featured for the Men's First Team as a substitute on the same day he had played earlier for the Development side. Meanwhile, photographer Steve Green received the Men's First Team Clubman of the Year prize. An ever present at games, his support is always appreciated by the management and players, while his excellent photos feature heavily in the matchday programme and on the club's social media channels.

Manager's Player of the Year: Chris Taylor
Players' Player of the Year: Chris Taylor
Supporters' Player of the Year: Alfie Presley
Goal of the Season: Jowan Partridge
Clubman of the Year: Steve Green

Development

While going somewhat under the radar given the Men's First Team's success, the Development team enjoyed another strong season in the Wiltshire Senior League Premier Division. Improving on their tenth place in 2022-23, Bassett climbed to sixth in 2023-24, ending the campaign with a record of 15 wins, one draw and 14 defeats. Mark Simpkins' side were competitive in virtually all the fixtures they played, pushing the division's top teams, while playing attractive, positive, passing football. \ Nat Bell was a standout player for the team as he scored 20 goals in 23 appearances. Unsurprisingly, he took home an award, being named Players' Player of the Year. Featuring 27 times, centre half Zach Pettifer received the team's Manager's Player of the Year award.

Manager's Player of the Year: Zach Pettifer
Players' Player of the Year: Nat Bell

Under 18s

Although ultimately aided by the late withdrawal from the division of Bristol Manor Farm, Bassett's Under 18 Floodlit team earned honours again in 2023-24 as they finished as runners-up for a third consecutive year in the Wiltshire Senior League Floodlit Division. A pair of midfielders picked up their awards, with Sam Case earning a Players' and Supporters' Player of the Year double and Noah Cranswick-Coates named as Manager's Player of the Year. Both players missed just a single game in 2023-24, with Case scoring four goals in 18 appearances and captain Cranswick-Coates netting once. Case's performances also earned him regular call ups for the Development team, featuring 13 times in all for them.

Manager's Player of the Year: Noah Cranswick-Coates
Players' Player of the Year: Sam Case
Supporters' Player of the Year: Sam Case