Bashley chairman David Malone has hailed the permanent appointment of Bob Higgins as the club's manager as an 'excellent move for the future'.

Higgins has had a short spell as Bashley's caretaker boss but following a meeting of the executive committee was yesterday given the job on a full-time basis.

On the appointment Malone said: "We have had a mixed bag of results but I am convinced we are moving in the right direction.

"We have a very young team and I am certain that the strategy of getting young players playing is the right one for this club both on the pitch and financially.

"Bob has a proven track record with young players. He brought on the likes of the Wallace brothers and Alan Shearer when he was with Southampton.

"Our plan is to bring younger players on in the future to play for Bashley Football Club.

"The experience that Bob Higgins has, having spent many years as Youth Development Officer at Southampton FC, will enhance the growing reputation of Bashley as one of the leading non-league clubs in the country."

Higgins' reign starts with a match away at Burnham (12.30) and he will be hoping his side can bounce back from their 2-0 FA Cup second qualifying round replay defeat at the hands of Jewson Wessex League side Andover in midweek.