THERE has been a changing of the guard in the Hampshire senior set-up as John Byett has taken over from Basingstoke clubmate Steve Appleby as first-team manager.

Former club chairman of playing Byett, who is also a Premiership citing officer, said: "I was asked by Mike Glogg, the chairman of Club Hampshire, who looks after the playing side from the kids all the way up, if I was interested in taking over from Steve.

"I considered it, had a chat with a few people and looked at getting a team together to support me, before deciding I would do it and agreeing at the Hampshire AGM to take over."

County rugby, with its matches taking place at the end of a long, challenging league season, has suffered in recent years through a lack of commitment from many of Hampshire's best players.

Consequently, the side has failed in recent years to progress to the knock-out stages of the annual county teams event.

They've only won once in three seasons - and Byett said he wants to help put pride back in the Hampshire team, especially for players gaining selection.

He wants to give the current structure an overhaul and, to that end, he will be addressing a number of factors over the coming months.

He added: "It's all about improving the communication and links with the top rugby clubs in Hampshire by talking to, and visiting, them on a regular basis, maybe four to five times a season.

"We've got to improve the set-up, so that players feel it is worth their while playing for Hampshire, because the side really should be better than it is, given the players we have in the county."

He continued: "I have spoken to the top six clubs in Hampshire and they have agreed their allegiance to the county side and to commit players on Tuesday nights for training nearer the time of the county matches in May and June 2007.

"We're only talking about three or four times, but a lack of training and time together has been a problem for the side in the past and it needs addressing."

The former 'Stoke scrum-half is also keen to offer the successful under-20 side a route into the senior side.

"They are the most successful age group we have had, so it is important we look at ways to get them involved," he said.

Byett's increased interest in county matters follows the selection of his sons, Andy and David Byett.

David recently picked up the county championship player-of-the-year accolade after starring for the under-20s last season.

The inside-centre was the top scorer for both the senior and under-20 teams and follows past Basingstoke players Marcus Reeve, Steve Collins and Simon Appleby in collecting the Hampshire award.

To further strengthen Basingstoke links with the county - flanker Simon Appleby is the Hampshire captain - Byett is pleased that 'Stoke director of rugby Jim Dixon has offered his services as county coach.

"Jim said to me he is keen to get involved, which is great to hear, and it will form part of my presentation this month to the Hampshire RFU on the way to take county rugby forward.

"I want players who are first-team players for their clubs in the county XV, and having a professional RFU level three coach like Jim involved will show them we mean business."

Commenting on Byett's appointment, Steve Appleby, who was county XV secretary before serving as manager for the past three seasons, said: "He hasn't spoken to me yet about what's happened, or asked me for my contacts, but I wish John all the best in the job."