FORMER Forest Green Rovers academy manager Scott Bartlett has returned to Weston-super-Mare for a second spell as manager on a three-year deal.

Bartlett left the EFL League two outfit after nine years at the New Lawn.

On his return to the Seagulls, Bartlett told the Weston club website: "I am delighted to commit my future to WSM.

“My immediate goal now is to work with the board to build a squad that the supporters deserve and one that will challenge at the top of the table.

“Relegation was unfortunate but it gives us – the management team, the board and the supporters a chance to rebuild and rebuild properly in a good way.

“Our training facilities are impressive for this level and the club has moved on in that respect since I was last here.

“It’s important we sign the right players, we need a squad that are desperate to fight for the club.

“I will spend the next 24 hours discussing players with Mark McKeever who has done a great job of steadying the ship, he has been a credit to the club and I am looking forward to working with him.

“In addition, I hope to bring in an experienced assistant player/coach who has played at a much higher level, hoping they have a similar impact to the one Chris Barker did.

“I hope you share my excitement for the season ahead, we should be respectful of the league we are in but enjoy the challenge it brings."

Bartlett's former club Forest Green travel to Weston-super-Mare for a pre-season friendly on Thursday, July 11 at The Optima Stadium.