Burke calls it quits at Bassett
PAUL Burke has quit as manager of Wootton Bassett Town, writes GARETH MOORHOUSE.
Burke tendered his resignation following Monday's 1-0 defeat to Purton at the Red House, with the team languishing in 16th place in Hellenic League Division One West.
The outgoing Rylands Way chief told the Advertiser the job had "taken its toll" in recent weeks and is confident he has made the right decision, for himself and the club.
Burke said: "I think I have taken the team as far as I can. I wanted to be the one who took them back into the Premier Division, but I guess it was not to be.
"I had planned to see out the season and then review it in the summer, to give me time to make a proper decision. But even if we had won the last six games 4-0, I still don't think I would have wanted to carry on. It was the right time."
Bassett-born Burke, who has just turned 40, has been involved with the Wiltshire club for more than 25 years.
He first attended a game as a five-year-old, and went onto play for the youth and senior sides before joining the coaching staff.
He had been in charge of first team affairs at Rylands for the last three seasons.
Burke will continue in his role as coach of the club's under nines, but says he won't attend another a first team fixture this season.
"I wanted a clean break from it all until next year," he said. "I want to thank the committee for everything they have done for me. This is not the end, though - I still want to play a big part in the future of the club."
Bassett director of football Chris Jones said: "Paul has been a loyal servant of the club for a number of years, the last three as first team manager. He has put an enormous an amount of effort and enthusiasm into the club and for that we thank him greatly."
The club are accepting applications in writing for the position of first team manager.
See tomorrow's Swindon Advertiser for the full interview with outgoing Bassett boss Paul Burke and all the non-League previews.
7:44am Thursday 27th March 2008
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