LEWIS Taylor has been named to lead Pewsey Vale’s next assault on the Wessex League.

The 45-year-old, who has been vice-chairman for two years, stepped in as interim manager following the departure of Adi Holcombe last month and has now been appointed on a permanent basis alongside assistants Craig Wall and Darren Tapper.

Vale finished 11th in their second year in the Wessex League Division One this season and Taylor said: “I don’t want to go setting any ridiculous targets, like that we’re going to win the league, but we do want to try and finish higher than we did last season.

“We’ve had some good young players come through and we want to carry on developing those and bring in a few more experienced heads to help them out.

“I think the core of the squad will be staying and I’ve already had people asking when pre-season will be starting so they’re up for it.

“I’m staying as vice-chairman and I’ll have to pass on a few of my responsibilities to concentrate on the football. Craig and Darren have also played at a good level so I’ll be relying on their experience too.”

Chris Simmons will take charge of reserve side Vale of Pewsey next season with help from Murray Fishlock and Craig Parsons after stalwart Martin Green was forced to leave the club through work commitments.

Parsons leads the U18 side, assisted by Paul Gentleman and Craig Simmons.