Jason's dream job is one step nearer (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Jason's dream job is one step nearer

8:50am Thursday 28th May 2009 in

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JASON Bristow is hoping that becoming boss of Basingstoke Town's youth team will be the first step towards his dream of one day managing his home town club.

The 29-year-old will replace Mark Hughes as youth team manager and is looking forward to the challenge.

"I am really pleased to have been given this opportunity," he said. "Hopefully, this is the first step towards my ultimate goal of managing the first team."

Bristow, who made 364 appearances for Town during 10 seasons at the Camrose and has been the club's football in the community coach since 2006, was forced to end his playing career in March due to a knee injury - but he always wanted to remain in the game.

"It means a lot to me that (club chairman) Rafi Razzak thought of me when this opportunity came up and it's ideal timing," he said. "It is unfortunate for the club that Mark has moved on because he did a great job but it's perfect for me."

Hughes is leaving the club after a successful one-year spell in charge of the youth team as he does not feel he would be able to give enough time to the role after September, when he will become head of PE at Strode's College in Egham, Surrey.

Under Hughes' guidance, Town's youngsters finished fourth in the southern division of the Football Conference Youth League, and reached the first round proper of the FA Youth Cup.

"It's been a great season and I'm gutted to be leaving, but the chance to progress in the education world was something that I just couldn't refuse," Hughes said. "I will work closely with the new youth team manager to make sure that the handover is as smooth as possible."

Bristow is looking to build on his predecessor's good work and has been impressed by what he has seen of the youth team over the season.

"I have watched them occasionally and there is a lot of talent in the squad," he said. "There will be new players coming through as well so that will also be interesting.

"I am hoping to carry on the good work that Mark has done. He made a great start and I just want to continue that.

"I haven't set any targets yet because I only spoke to Rafi last week and it hasn't really sunk in yet."

In addition to managing the youth team and continuing his work as community coach, Bristow has also been offered the chance to help out with the first team.

"I have spoken to Frank Gray and he wants me to be involved with training and on matchdays, which is a real bonus," Bristow said. "Having the chance to still be involved with the first team means a lot to me."

# Following the appointment of Steve King as manager, Farnborough have pulled out of the scheduled friendly with Town that had been due to take place at the Camrose on July 11.