JASON Bristow will return as manager of Basingstoke Town for next season, with the current boss Terry Brown taking on the new role of Director of Football.

This is a great move by the club, as they look to build on what has been achieved in the past two seasons with Brown at the helm, having twice having to build squads from scratch.

The two men are now looking to hold talks to keep hold of as many of their stars this season, which looks set to see the Dragons finish an excellent tenth.

Bristow, guided the club to their highest ever league, when they made Conference South play-offs, before he then stepped down a year later, However, he has remained involved with the club with the very successful academy as well as assistant to Brown.

Bristow said: "I needed to step away when I did, but I have learnt 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 looking forward to his new role and said: "I think this keeps the project going that we have started and I will be working with the young players and bringing them into the club. I think Jason will do an excellent job as manager and he knows all the players. I will be there to help him as much as I can."

Brown's last game in charge will Saturday's home encounter with lowly King's Langley, but before this Town are in action this evening at St Ives. Leading goal scorer Callum Bunting is set to be back in the squad.

Town are looking to end the campaign with five straight wins and it would be a fitting send off for Brown.

The outgoing Basingstoke manager said: "We have a really good chance to finish with a couple more wins."