James Ellis becomes Bashley's Director of Football

We are proud to share some exciting news – our founder, James Ellis, has been appointed as Director of Football at Bashley Football Club.

The club is currently in a period of transition, and James has already been working behind the scenes over the past couple of weeks to support the committee, staff, and players. His new role will cover all football activity across the club – from the day-to-day football operations to the longer-term planning and development of Bashley FC. A key part of this will also include managing the partnership between Milford-on-Sea Youth and Bashley, helping strengthen the pathway from grassroots to senior football.

Speaking about the appointment, James said:

“I’m delighted to have rejoined a club I have a deep affection for, in a position I am privileged to hold.

The club is a quite exceptional football club, and after witnessing first-hand the brilliant victory against Didcot Town last Saturday, I’m in no doubt this is clearly a squad full of talented, exciting and hungry footballers – led excellently by Jack Williamson and his staff team.

James at our 5-Star Reviewed Friday Night Football

I’ve been blown away by both the potential of this club, with incredible developments of the ground & their now amazing clubhouse space – but also, the volunteers and staff of Bashley who clearly have this football club’s best interest at heart. It ties in the work I have been doing over the past 12 months, transitioning into a period & direction of my career I knew I wanted to pursue, which in the senior game, was moving off-the-grass!

Whilst change can naturally bring apprehension, it also presents an opportunity for a new direction and a thriving future for this club. The former chairman, Steven Lewis, has really driven this club forward over the past couple of years, building on the great work of the former Chairman, Paul Lucas – and I’m confident that between all of us as a committee, a community & a club, this historic and amazing club has a very bright future.”

This isn’t James’ first spell with Bashley. He was First Team Coach during the 2022/23 season, when the club narrowly missed out on the Southern League Division One South play-offs on the final day away at Paulton Rovers. Since then, James had taken on a couple of management roles at Poole Town and Bemerton Heath Harlequins in 2024, alongside his national role as an FA National Lead Coach Developer – where he even supported current Bashley manager Jack Williamson through his coaching qualifications.

At the recent Fans Forum, James addressed supporters about his vision to secure the club’s immediate priorities while also creating a sustainable, community-driven future. With Liam Bailey, local businessman and former Partnerships Director, stepping in as Interim Chairman, the club is also working to formalise a refreshed structure that will help shape its long-term success.

The 2025/26 Bashley FC Squad

Exclusive Offer for J.Ellis Football Members

To mark this new chapter, we are delighted to announce a brand-new offer:

• All J.Ellis Football members can attend Bashley FC home games for free.

• Up to two parents or carers (18+) accompanying a member will be eligible for discounted entry at £5 each.

The offer begins right away ahead of Bashley’s home fixture against Hartbury this coming Saturday 27th (3:00pm kick-off, Bashley Road, Bashley, New Milton, BH25 5RY) – and will be valid for all Bashley home games thereafter.

To secure your place, attendance must be registered by emailing info@jellisfootball.com no later than 48 hours before a home fixture.

Please note: entry on the gate will not be available unless pre-registered.

Looking Ahead

This new role for James will not affect any of the services provided by J.Ellis Football. Instead, it enhances our commitment to grassroots and community football, showing how the game can bring people together at every level.

We wish James every success in his new position – and look forward to seeing many of our members enjoying their matchday experience at Bashley FC.

The newly-renovated Bashley FC Clubhouse