WITH an amazing run of 10 unbeaten league games and seven wins on the trot, Melksham Town FC’s manager and chairman have praised the recent progress of the club – highlighting the hard working players and fantastic supporters.
In less than two months, Town has jumped from 17th place in the Southern League with concerns of relegation, to 6th place – just one spot outside the play-offs. Their unbeaten run of 10 games includes seven wins on the trot, including a Boxing Day trouncing of local rivals and league contenders, Frome Town.
The club has also received recognition for its recent form from Southern League officials, who awarded Town with the ‘Club of the Month Award’ for December
Their recent run of victories has secured their future in the Southern League for the next season – and now manager, Richard Fey, has his sights set on finishing this season on a high, in the top half of the league although he is playing down promotion hopes despite being just one place off the play-offs.
Speaking to Melksham News, Richard said, “We know we are safe now in the Southern League with 32 points – we have achieved what we have set out to do, to assure Southern League status for next season, which I think is a remarkable achievement for everybody in the club.
“The chairman, committee and secretary have been outstanding and backed us all season – they have been really supportive.
“Everything is positive now within the club, the support is up – we were just short of 500 at the game against Cirencester, and there were 700 at the Boxing Day game against Frome – and we are looking forward to the rest of the season.
“Who knows what could happen now, we might even finish in the top half of the league, which would be remarkable considering where we were at the start of the season. I’m extremely proud of the players, it is their work that has got us here.
“Signings, such as Dave Thompson and Josh Ford, have proved to be excellent for the club. Since they have come in, they have more or less changed our team around and given us a foundation to build on.
“And the supporters, I’m pleased for them – we have three home games coming up and I hope that they get behind us again. Because when they get behind us and are vocal, there is only one winner – we get the results.”
Club chairman, Darren Perrin added, “The turnaround has been magnificent. But having said that, even when we weren’t doing particularly well at the start of the season we were still playing quite well, but didn’t have the rub of the green – which we have had in the last few weeks.
“To be fair to Richard and assistant manager Nathan (Rudge), they had to rebuild a totally new side, and it was always going to take some time to get the side that they wanted – they have worked within their means and worked really hard to get to where we are now.
“As chair, I am delighted with our position in the league, but I am also delighted for the supporters, because they have stuck by the club, and they have been fantastic over the last six months. The crowds that we are getting week in, week out, home and away, have been a pleasure to see. They deserve this run of success.
“It’s brought a smile back on the faces of everyone at the club. The atmosphere at the grounds, and the team spirit is as good as I’ve seen for a very long time. Richard, Nathan, the players, the supporters, and the sponsors take all the plaudits for that.”
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