The times they are a-changing at Southfields. After a torrid start to their Western League campaign, Radstock Town parted company with the experienced Shane Smith, who led the Miners to a sixth-placed finish last season.

Yet, a player exodus in pre-season saw the side languishing in eighteenth place in the First Division, and both Shane and the club decided it was time for a change of direction.

Enter Brett Partner. The appointment of Brett was far from a knee-jerk reaction. Despite being one of the youngest managers in the Western League, Brett already boasts previous managerial experience at Chippenham Park, as well as a UEFA B Coaching qualification. More than that, Brett’s ambition to make a name for himself in grassroots football has already led the club to look again at the way it prepares for games.

Brett said: “When I first took over, I had to look at who we had playing for us, and I was surprised we had 42 players signed on. For me, we need to cut that down to a squad of eighteen – a committed eighteen players – and then we look at where we need to improve.

“I’m trying to implement a new style of play, a different way of doing things around the whole club, on-and-off the field. We are trying to make things more professional; provide a really good environment for the players. So we’ve done-up the changing rooms, we are getting physios in, sports analysis, extra coaches, just to help give them all the things they need to win games.”

Radstock’s games are being filmed, and Brett has arranged for the matches to be statistically analysed. His first four games will have made for difficult viewing – defeats to Longwell Green, League-leaders, Chard, and second-place Cheddar, punctuated by a County Cup tie against Southern League neighbours, Paulton Rovers. Yet, Brett is adamant that the green shoots of recovery have been evident in recent weeks.

Brett continued: “The style we’ve played has been really good. It’s a really good step in the right direction for Radstock, and the players are now starting to believe in themselves.

Results would say otherwise, but if you watch the games, it tells a different story. Once you start getting that winning mentality and each player gets confidence in themselves, we will turn it around.”

Brett is hoping that the win against Warminster will prove the catalyst the side need. The Miners were looking to record back-to-back wins for the first time this season, but their scheduled trip to lowly Bishops Lydiard fell foul of the weather. Next up, Radstock entertain Brett’s former club, Chippenham Park, and then it’s the Boxing Day clash with Welton Rovers, and Brett is adamant his side can get something out of the derby game.

Brett said: “I do. I firmly believe that. I have a lot of faith in my players. The way they’re playing at the moment, their attitude and what they’re buying into, I firmly believe that there’ll be a very good game at the Coalfield Classico.”

Sir Winston Churchill once said: “The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” In Brett, Radstock Town appear to have found their perfect partner.

The interview with Brett Partner for Episode 19 of the Toolstation Western League Podcast, is available at: toolstationleague.com

Ian Nockolds