All change at Bashley FC as Lewis brothers take charge
It’s all change at Bashley FC, with a new chair, new manager – and now a new badge.
Steven Lewis is the club’s new chair, and his brother Dave Lewis – former Lymington Town boss – will serve as manager.
Following that double announcement, Bashley yesterday (Thursday) revealed their new club logo, with many fans voicing their displeasure online.
Steven succeeds Paul Lucas, who has left the position after four years, with Dave taking the reins after Ollie Cherrett walked before the end of the season.
Former Bashley player Dave, who played for the club in the ’90s, managed Lymington Town in the Southern League Division One South, securing league safety before they were relegated to the Wessex Premier division for failing ground grading regulations.
He then joined Jimmy Ball’s AFC Totton side as first-team coach as the Stags secured a remarkable treble.
Steven said: “It’s an honour and privilege to take the helm of such a prestigious football club, with its rich heritage and history. I am excited to have the opportunity to take Bashley forward and build a football club we can all continue to be proud of.
“My first decision as chair is to appoint Dave Lewis as first team manager. Dave has vast Southern League experience and, as a former player of the Bash, is well respected in non-league football, particularly in the New Forest area. He will appoint his management and coaching staff as soon as possible.
“I would like to thank Paul Lucas for his hard work, commitment, and financial support to the club over the past four seasons, which has secured and maintained Southern League status.”
On the club’s rebranding, Steven added: “As we enter a new chapter in the Bashley story, we consider it’s an appropriate time to remodel the club’s branding by creating a new club badge.
“The old emblem has served its purpose well, but time moves on, and the badge is one thing that myself and the executive committee consider would benefit from modernisation.
“We have given a lot of thought to designing a new badge that will resonate with all generations of a Bash family and friends whilst acknowledging, of course, the need to respect the club’s wonderful history.
“We believe the new badge has a strong brand identity and matches both our own and a field ambitions. As we move the club forward, we invite you to join us on our journey.”
This received a mixed reception on social media, with praise from some but criticism from others for a lack of consultation with fans. Fan and NFDC councillor Jack Davies branded the decision “a disgrace”.
On his exit, Paul Lucas said: “I have been proud to lead Bashley FC and to be leaving them solvent and at a higher status than when I arrived. Last season was a difficult one for many reasons, and although we were aiming higher, we retained our Southern League place, which was crucial.
“As I have mentioned previously, my reasons for leaving at this moment are entirely private and personal, and I will continue to support the club, not only as a fan but with various forms of sponsorship.
“I have met the new chairman, Steve Lewis, and I am confident the club is in safe hands. He has some impressive ideas, and there are strong foundations for him and our committee to build on.”
