STEVE Yeardley believes it will take nearly a month for Wootton Bassett Town to start reaping the benefits of their new look squad, writes Michael Reeves.

The experienced defender is the only player from last season’s squad to remain at the club following the resignation of Jeff Roberts in the summer.

And while 29-year-old feels that more of last year’s side should have remained with the Corinium Stadium-based outfit, he is excited by the squad that new boss Paul Braithwaite has put together ahead of Saturday’s trip to Binfield.

“There was a bit of mass exodus wasn’t there?,” Yeardley said. “I think a few more should have stayed but that was their choice.

“Paul has done a good job in rebuilding the side and I’m quite excited by it, but I do think that it will take three to four weeks for us to gel together properly.”

Many of the new faces at Bassett have come from Braithwaite’s former club Fairford Town, and while they are making the step up to the Hellenic League Premier Division the defender is confident that they can make the grade.

“Many of the new lads have only played Division One West and Wiltshire League before but to be honest they could have been playing at this level before now,” the defender added.

“They are still young and they are only going to get better, a few of them might find it tough to start with, but I’m confident that they can do well.”

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