FORMER AFC Totton boss Steve Riley is back on the Southern League beat – as manager of Evo-Stik South & West rivals Bashley.

Riley, who spent seven successful years with Bash before joining Totton in the summer of 2012, has retraced his steps to the New Forest where a new board – headed by chairman Tim Allan - has taken over at Bashley Road.

He replaces ex-Chelsea and Lymington man Dave Stride who had barely been in charge for six weeks but lost his job on the back of a poor run of pre-season results and a lack of player signings.

Southampton-based Riley had decided to have a break from football after leaving Totton by mutual consent in March.

But the “pull” of rejoining Bashley was too great and he is up for the challenge of getting the Foresters back on their feet again after the struggles of 2014/15 which saw them finish rock bottom of the South & West pile with just eight points.

Due to Clevedon and Sholing dropping out of the league, Bash were given a reprieve from relegation and, long term, Riley will be looking to bring back the glory days of 2006/07 when he led Bash to the South & West title and promotion to the Premier Division.

Admitting the Bash job had come as a bolt from the blue, he said: “I was having a rest from football, relaxing and spending a bit of time with my family and, to be honest, I was quite enjoying it. But with the chance to go back to manage Bashley again, the pull was too great.

“I met so many good people down there and there has been a bit of an overhaul behind the scenes.

“My heart’s always been with Bashley with the amount of time I was there as a player and manager and my enthusiasm has been rekindled.

“I didn’t know what to make of it at first with the new season being only two weeks away, but I had a little think and decided to get back on board.

“I had a chat with Dave Stride, it not nice for manager who’s not been there that long, but that’s out of my control.

“I’ve got my first training session tomorrow and I’ll meet the squad then. It’s not going to be easy to start with but I’m going to try and get us playing some decent football and get fans through the gate again.”

Allan’s rise from vice-chairman to chairman follows the departure of Angela Speechley-Price who, along with husband and team manager Graham, helped save the club from folding 14 months ago.

Riley’s first game in charge will be at home to neighbours New Milton Town this Saturday for the David Jose Memorial Trophy.

Bash have another home friendly against Steve Claridge’s Salisbury on Tuesday (August 4).