LYMINGTON Town boss John Pyatt has wished his old buddy Dave Stride well in his new post as Bashley manager.

The 57-year-old former Chelsea, Millwall and Leyton Orient defender co-managed Lymington alongside Pyatt during the club’s old Hampshire League days.

Lymington-born Stride, who spent a fair chunk of his playing days in the United States, will be assisted at Bashley by his brother Glen, formerly of Bournemouth and Salisbury.

Pyatt, who himself had a spell co-managing Bashley with Paul Gazzard two seasons ago, said: “Dave’s a friend of mine and I wish him all the best. He’s sound – a very good footballing man, a bit like Paul Masters at Winchester City.

“Hopefully Bashley and Lymington will be able to help each other out in the future.”

Bash finished bottom of the Southern One South & West last season but were reprieved due to Sholing and Clevedon dropping out of the league.