MANAGER Shaun Gardiner is aiming to steady the ship at Westbury United this term as they bid to put their Toolstation League First Division woes behind them.

The Meadow Lane men finished bottom of the table last term after a season of upheaval, which saw Gardiner take over in November, coinciding with Matt Bright coming in as the club’s new chairman.

Earlier this summer, Westbury revealed plans to sell their current home and move to a new ground in the local area, and Gardiner says that his job is to keep things on an even keel on the pitch in the meantime.

“We finished bottom last season and the plan is to improve on that but we’re not aiming for the top six – we don’t want to run before we can walk,” said the United manager.

“We had a lot of changes last season and I came in and had to keep going with the players that I had.

“I just want us to try and consolidate this year and see how we go in the league.”

Gardiner has put his own stamp on the Westbury squad ahead of the new season, bringing in four players from Melksham Town in the form of midfielder Dave Macey, forward Ben Macey, goalkeeper Tom Drewitt and striker Dan Moore.

Defender Dougie Dickson has also come in from Devizes Town, whilst Gardiner has also signed striker Otis Young from Trowbridge Wanderers and promoted defender Matt Friendship from his club’s reserve side.

Meanwhile, Ryan Elliott, Josh Maguire and Callum Cooper have all headed for the Meadow Lane exit door.

Gardiner’s management team also has a new flavour, with James Goddard and Karl Freeman coming in from Trowbridge Rangers as assistant manager and coach respectively.

Westbury’s reserves, who will ply their trade in the Trowbridge & District League, will be managed by Marc Lanfear, with Jose Gualda’s assistance.

United kick off with two away games in the space of four days, at Hengrove Athletic and Almondsbury UWE.

Gardiner added: “It’s a tough start for us but hopefully we can hit the ground running.”