THE FUTURE careers of Basingstoke Town's young players are set to receive the best possible guidance after the club announced this week that Steve Richardson would be taking charge of the youth set-up at the Camrose.

Richardson (pictured), who is currently the first team coach, has been appointed manager of the youth team by Ernie Howe and he will now oversee the development of the club's young players as they compete in the South West Counties League.

The former Reading professional, who played over 300 games for the then Elm Park outfit and has been with Basingstoke Town since 1995, will also be in charge of players signed to the club via the football development scheme and links with BCOT.

Town manager Ernie Howe said: "It is an important appointment but Steve is ready to take on the responsibility of the job at this stage of his career.

"With all of his experience, there is no-one better to do it. The young lads will definitely be in good hands and will receive the benefit of his years in the game."

Richardson will be assisted in his new job by Toby Redwood, the left-back who has had his Basingstoke Town career curtailed by successive leg breaks over the past two years.

Meanwhile, the final member of the Town side to sign a contract this summer, Rob Cook, has finally put pen to paper on a one-year deal.

The midfielder from Bath signed the new deal last week, giving Ernie Howe a varied midfield selection to choose from, with Glenn Howes, Stuart Girdler, Mike Davis, Jimmy Fraser, Toby Sumner and Cook all looking for a first team slot.

Howe said: "It's good to finally have the deal done and dusted. It means we have everyone at the club signed up, the earliest we have for some years, allowing us to focus on the playing side of things."

After Tuesday's match against Portsmouth was cancelled because of heavy rainfall, Town play what is now their first pre-season friendly tomorrow (3pm) at Alton Town.

Moves are underfoot to re-arrange the match against Pompey but the team likely to face Alton will be made up from: Scott Tarr, Steve Baker, Don Forbes, Chris Honor, Paul Wilkinson, Glenn Howes, Stuart Girdler, Rob Cook, Tim Sills, Sean Gorman, Dominic Naylor. Subs: Jimmy Fraser, Mike Davis, Toby Sumner, Clive Lyttle, Matt Elverson, Clint Bassett.