Blue Square South club Basingstoke Town`s Board of Directors have announced that, from the end of the current season, they will be disbanding the reserve team at the Camrose.
The club would like to thank, and are very grateful for the work done by manager Dominic Cunliffe, his assistant Steve Williams and their players during the time that they have been in charge.
This has been a difficult decision for the Board to make and it has not been made without a lot of careful thought and consideration.
The aim remains for the club to push for a play-off position next season and it is felt that this can best be achieved with the emphasis being placed on the first-team and youth/academy set up.
With the youth team playing in a league where players can continue up to the age of 19, Basingstoke have the opportunity to fast-track directly to the senior side.
The intention will be to partner with local clubs to loan out squad players and those returning from injury to get match fit.
The Board believe that this is a bold move which will allow them to concentrate efforts and finances to move the club forward, and make changes that will hopefully bring the improved league position that is needed.
This is not necessarily a permanent abandonment of reserve team football at Basingstoke Town and the policy may be reviewed at some stage in the future. It is hoped that a role can be found for Dominic Cunliffe within the club as it continues to move forward.
