STEVE RILEY has returned to become manager of Evo-Stik League Southern Division One South & West Bashley after they sacked David Stride following just 40 days in charge.
Former Chelsea player Stride, 57, was only appointed manager himself last month but the club were alarmed because of “poor pre-season results and lack of player signings”.
They moved quickly to bring in Riley, who was one of the most successful managers in the club's history, guiding them into the Southern Premier.
He left Bash at the end of the 2011-12 season to move to AFC Totton. He left the Stags by mutual consent in March.
A club statement read: “Following a run of poor pre-season results and lack of player signings the new board at Bashley decided to ask David Stride, who had been brought in to manage the New Forest team at short notice, to step down as first team manager.
“The new board acted swiftly to engage the services of Riley, the most successful manager that Bashley has had taking the team previously from the South & West into the Premier Division.”
Riley added: “Originally I was happy to have a break from football but with the chance to come back to manage Bashley again the pull was too great.
“The new board have worked hard in the last week to get things moving in the right direction to take the club forward, it's my job to get the team built to take us forward on the field.”
Meanwhile, former vice-chairman Tim Allan has taken over as chairman of the club following last week's AGM, replacing the outgoing Angela Speechley-Price.
“Angela came into Bashley 14 months ago with her husband Graham at a time when the club was hours from folding,” Allan said.
“We must all be thankful for their hard work and dedication during their time with us keeping the club afloat.
“We are starting a new era at Bashley Road with one aim to bring the good successful times back to the New Forest, starting with the appointment of Steve Riley a step that we hope fans, sponsors and players alike will see that the club means business.”
