PAUL Braithwaite has promised not to plunder Fairford Town after taking over the reins at Wootton Bassett Town.

The former Cinder Lane chief replaces Jeff Roberts at the Hellenic League Premier Division after he resigned last month.

And in leaving the Division One West club, Braithwaite says that he won’t take a large chunk of his old squad to the Corinium Stadium-based side.

“Maybe one or two might come across with me and Greener (Chris Green) but out of respect for Fairford I won’t take their squad apart,” Braithwaite told the Advertiser.

“I had a great time at Fairford, they really are a good club, but this is a just a great opportunity for me.”

Braithwaite, who said that he was approached for the Bassett job last year before Roberts took charge, is relishing the opportunity of leading the club into their new home at Ballards Ash in 2015.

“Bassett are good club and they are realistic about what they want,” the new manager said. “They have got some really good players - ones I want to keep.

“They are also moving into a new ground the season after next and that is an attractive proposition for any manager.

“They are moving in the right direction and I’m glad that I can be apart of it.

“When they made the approach last season, it was quite late in the summer and I had made all the plans for the season at Fairford - it just wasn’t the right time as I had made my commitment.

“Now the time feels right and I’m looking forward to getting started.”

With the move to a new ground just 12 months away, Braithwaite knows that it imperative that they stay up.

He said: “With the new ground we have to be in the Premier Division, we know what is expected of us but that is the very least we have to do.”

The Bassett chairman Andy Walduk said: “The application list was strong, specifically from the internal applicants, making the final decision a hard one.

“Paul and Chris’ professional approach, which came across strongly during their interview, and the high regard they are held in locally, we feel they are well equipped to meet this and build a strong squad.”

With Braithwaite leaving Fairford, the Division One West are hunting for a new manager.

The Cinder Lane club’s president Mike Tanner said: “The club is looking for a manager that shares its values in being forward thinking, friendly and with the aim of a competitive return to the Hellenic Premier Division.”

Anyone interest should contact Tanner on 07917 861866.