JASON Bristow will return as Basingstoke Town manager for next season, with Terry Brown taking on the new role of director of football after two years in charge.

Bristow guided the club to their highest ever league finish when they made the Conference South play-offs in 2014/15, but he stepped down a year later.

However, he has remained heavily involved with the Evo-Stik South Premier club, running Town's very successful academy as well as being assistant to Brown.

Bristow said: "I needed to step away when I did, but I have learned so much from Terry and I am looking forward to being manager again.

"I really hope we can keep a good nucleus of the team as we have an exciting squad."

Brown is also looking forward to his new upstairs role. "This keeps the project going that we have started and I will be working with the young players and bringing them into the club," he commented.

"I think Jason will do an excellent job as manager. He knows all the players and I will be there to help him as much as I can."

Brown's last game in charge was a 4-3 home win over King's Langley last Saturday, ensuring Town finished the season in tenth spot.