BUDE Town boss Steve Hackett feels the Seasiders have ‘come a long way in a short period of time’.

Hackett stepped up to the top job in the close season following the departure of Ben Potter and has ensured a smooth transition, that despite seeing the whole of last season’s first team squad leave.

However, a combination of last year’s reserve side, coupled with some shrewd acquisitions, means they are tenth in a highly-competitive SWPL Premier West.

Reflecting on the job so far, Hackett said: “I have really enjoyed the first four months in the role and feel that on and off the pitch we are making really good progress.

“Off the pitch, the stand is built, we have gained a lot of new sponsorship with pitch side boards and naming rights to the new stand and we have upgraded our goals and invested money into the playing surface.

“The committee has fully backed my ideas and it’s all developing nicely.

“On the playing side, the players are really getting to grips with Peninsula League football, gaining experience and evolving as a team. They are learning from mistakes and know that to win matches the work-rate, energy and togetherness are non-negotiable. The players can see the direction we are taking and are really investing in the project.”

The majority of Bude’s players hadn’t played Step Six football before this season, but Hackett feels they are getting to grips with an uncompromising division.

He said: “It’s a brutal league and there aren’t any easy fixtures. If you let your performances dip or make mistakes, you get punished.

“It’s important that we take one game at a time, make sure that we are fully focused and give 100%.

“Our first season was always going to be one of getting to grips with the league, players building experience of the level, making some signings, improving things off the pitch and stabilising. We have come a long way in a short period of time and there is a real positive feel around the club.”

He continued: “A lot of the lads that were so successful for me in the St Piran League (Division Three) last season were already being looked at by teams in the SWPL.

“They are young and have so much scope to develop and get better. The boys coming with us into the SWPL has accelerated this – they are now playing where they should.

“The likes of Aled Thomas, James Wheeler, Harrison Swatton, Lloyd Scaife and Ruan Tape are all quality players who have evolved and are now working to become established SWPL players.

“With us giving chances and bleeding in Jake Woodland, Aaron Hart and Andrew Furse we continue to develop young lads into the fold.”

Bude were due to visit leaders Dobwalls on Saturday, but Hackett wasn’t overly concerned they couldn’t build on their famous 2-1 victory over Newquay a week earlier.

He said: “It was a little frustrating as the mood in the dressing room was high after the Newquay result and the squad was looking strong for the game against Dobwalls.

“But we did have a couple players nursing knocks, so as frustrating as it was, it gave us a weekend of rest which we haven’t had for a long time.”

Bude welcome high-flying Wendron United this Saturday (3pm).

Hackett concluded: “They are sitting third in the league and have scored the most goals so far this season.

“We will certainly have to show up and fight like we did against Newquay, but we are happy to be at home and Wendron have a long trip up, so I’m expecting another competitive match!”