DAVE Turner has sought the help of some familiar faces as he tries to bring the good times back to Wootton Bassett.

The former Pewsey Vale boss raided his former side for no less than six players during the summer, while also keeping faith with the best that Bassett had to offer.

Bassett underachieved massively last season, finishing just five places off the foot of the Hellenic League Division One West.

But Turner, pictured right, isn’t interested in the past, and is instead looking forward to a new era at Rylands Way.

And although he may have gone back to what he knows best, the gaffer insists that every place is up for grabs.

He revealed: “When we started pre-season it was open to all existing Bassett players and anyone else who wanted to come.

“And, as in any pre-season, we’ve put the sessions on and identified those players that we would like to take forward.

“It’s very healthy and very different from last year, but that wasn’t by design. It’s just how it happened with the way we came across pre-season.

“I’m more than happy with what we’ve got. Obviously I went looking for one or two players.

“It’s a two-way street. I’ve worked with some of the players for three years and asked them if they’d like to come.

“More or less everybody I’ve asked has come across. It means there’s a mutual respect there, which is a good place to start.

“But they know that what’s happened previously counts for nothing and they’ve got to prove themselves all over again.

“They’re up for the challenge, just like we are.”

Bassett’s pre-season form has shown much to be excited about, including a 4-0 win over a Supermarine XI.

But Turner is refusing to get carried away and knows that turning the club’s fortunes around will be a long-term thing.

“The first target is to get a good, settled side and then try to improve on last season,” he admitted.

“That’s the main aim – to finish higher than last year.

“I don’t know what went on last season because I wasn’t here. Obviously I know where they finished because we look at the leagues, but you can only worry about the team you are in charge of at the time.

“I’m in charge here now and I’m looking forward to the challenge. Our first aim is to finish higher than they did and to enjoy it.

“In pre-season they’ve been playing with a confidence and a smile, and if we can keep that confidence up then I’m sure we’ll have a decent season.”