Melksham football stalwart releases autobiography

A Melksham football stalwart has released an autobiography sharing insight into his life in the town and his long-standing career in local football.

Darren Perrin’s book, I’m a Very Lucky Man, covers his roles as manager, chairman, director and commercial manager at Melksham Town Football Club and his time at Frome Town, Chippenham Town, Paulton Rovers and Forest Green Rovers, where he worked for eight years as a scout.

The book begins with a memory from the early 2000s, when Darren managed Forest Green Rovers for a single game against Chester, winning 3-2.

“This game is where the name of the book came from because at that game, footballing legend Brian Clough clipped me round the ear and said I was a ‘very lucky young man.’” said Darren.

“I also felt that the name was quite fitting in the sense that I have been a lucky person. I have made so many great friends through football and I have been very lucky to have been brought up in the family that I have.”

The autobiography shares details about Darren’s experience of growing up in Melksham, from attending Aloeric Primary School to George Ward School, to his footballing career as a player and then as a manager, and his family life and time as chairman of Melksham Town Football Club.

However, Darren resigned from the club last year saying he had suffered bullying and harassment. In the book, he says he shares his side of the story about what led to his resignation.

“My side is the truthful side,” said Darren. “It all finished on a sour note at Melksham, which is a shame. I want to emphasise, I only ever want the best for Melksham and it breaks my heart to see them so low in the table at the moment and really struggling, and I hope they can turn it round because the town needs a thriving football club.

“Following the way it ended, I wanted to get the truth and the facts out there so people know exactly what went on. As with anything in life, time is a great healer and you move on; you get on with your life. Sometimes adversity makes you stronger. I was in a bad place; my family and everything were unbelievable through it.”

Sport and football have been an integral part of Darren’s life, with his achievements including playing chess for England while at school and cricket for Melksham but football was always number one. He said, “There was never a doubt in my mind that I wanted to pursue a life and career in football. From the first time I went to the Conigre, where the Campus is now, I have been brought up on Melksham Town FC through my dad and mother, and football has been my life.

“I just love this town and I am proud to say that Melksham is a fantastic town with fantastic people. The book is an insight into how it’s gone from 22nd October 1968 to now.”

Darren is now working full-time as the commercial manager at Chippenham Town Football Club. He said, “I absolutely love it and I am very happy there. I have had offers from one or two other local clubs but it just doesn’t feel right for me at this moment in time. Who knows what the future holds?”

The book can be purchased on Amazon, where it is currently the 10th best-selling football autobiography, and Darren is also hoping to sell copies in Melksham.