Melksham Town to face Swindon Town in preseason friendly

Melksham Town has unveiled a busy and exciting preseason fixture list in preparation for the 2025/26 campaign.

The highlight is a home match against League Two side Swindon Town on Saturday 12th July (3pm kick-off). The match will see Ian Holloway’s team return to Oakfield Stadium just a year after the two clubs last met in a friendly, which the Robins won 3-1 in front of a bumper crowd.

Tickets are now on sale at the following prices: adults – £10, concessions – £8, student (16-18) – £5 and child – £2.

Town will start their pre-season preparations with a short journey to Corsham Town’s Southbank Ground on Friday 4th July (7.30 kick-off). Corsham finished 10th in last season’s Hellenic League Premier Division, offering a strong first test for the Black and Yellow.

On 19th July (3pm), Melksham will travel to Nursteed Road to take on Devizes Town followed by a double header on Tuesday 22nd July with two Town sides in action. The first team will welcome National League South side Weston-Super-Mare to Oakfield Stadium. Scott Bartlett’s team finished eighth last season, narrowly missing the National League South play-offs. It promises to be a tough test and the final chance for home fans to see their team in action at Oakfield before the Southern League Division One South campaign starts.

Meanwhile, a Melksham Town XI will travel to Odd Down on the same evening to contest the Mark Brown Memorial Cup at the Lew Hill Memorial Ground against the Western League Division One side.

The final match of pre-season will be away to National League South side Chippenham Town, competing for the Ian Monnery Trophy. The two teams previously met last season when Melksham secured a 2-1 win at Oakfield. The Black and Yellow will be eager to retain the trophy and carry momentum into their league campaign.

Tickets for the home match against Swindon Town are now on sale. Supporters are encouraged to get their seats early and be part of what promises to be a great afternoon of entertainment.

Melksham Town strengthens squad with five new signings ahead of new season

Town has added five new signings and a new goalkeeping coach ahead of the new 2025/26 season where they will be looking to improve on their eighth place finish last season.

Archie Milne, a 19-year-old midfielder and former Swindon Town academy player, joins the club after a brief spell at Corsham Town last season, cut short by injury. Manager Mark Collier explained: “Archie is now fully fit, has a solid background, can play a couple of different positions and will add competition for places.”

Archie is joined by Olly Mehew, Will Christopher, Josh Bennett and Adam Forster in putting pen to paper at Oakfield. The quintet brings a mixture of experience, creativity, defensive depth and a strong physical presence to the side.

The return of 28-year-old defender Josh Bennett from Taunton Town is a huge boost. A former fans’ favourite, Bennett left last year with a heavy heart, but is now back in black and yellow. “Losing Josh last year was a real blow to us,” said Mark. “He is very competitive and highly respected in the dressing room. I make no apologies for saying this, but Josh is an outstanding signing for us. He will play a major role on and off the pitch for us.”

Meanwhile, Adam Forster, a 6’2” goalkeeper who previously played for Larkhall, Gloucester City, Dorchester Town and Tampa Spartans in the USA, is a key addition between the sticks.

“Our keeper situation was well documented last season, with injuries to both of our loan keepers,” said Mark. “Adam will bring stability to the position. Adam did particularly well against us last season, playing for Larkhall. Adam has a presence, is a good size and will strengthen our options going forward.”

Town has also secured Will Christopher, a 26-year-old defender/midfielder from Yate Town with nearly 300 appearances at this level. “Will has played almost 300 games at this level, he brings a good knowledge of this division and will bring strength in depth to the already competitive squad,” explained Mark.

The Black and Yellow attack is bolstered by 27-year-old forward Olly Mehew, a pacy and creative addition who can operate centrally, wide or just behind the strikers. His former clubs include Bristol Rovers, Forest Green, Merthyr Town, Yate and Swindon Supermarine. “Olly was a priority signing for us,” said Mark. “His quality and experience will be a huge asset to us. Following several meetings, Olly really showed a desire to join us. He is a good lad who will bring so much to the dressing room.”

Melksham have also appointed Seb Tylek as their new goalkeeping coach. Seb, a local coach who joins from Frome Town, will be responsible for developing the team’s goalkeepers.

“Seb’s another local boy, he will take responsibility for all the keepers,” said Mark. “He is experienced within this role and is a vital addition to the coaching setup.”

The first friendly match against Corsham Town is now less than a month away and season tickets are available to buy.

Prices are £160 for adults, £130 for concessions, and £80 for students (16-18). A season ticket guarantees entry to all home league games, including key local matchups against Frome and Westbury.

“With a revamped squad, a strong backroom team and a wonderful playing surface at Oakfield, the future looks bright,” said the club. “With new signings, a luscious playing surface and a great atmosphere around the club, it is sure to be an exciting season — join us for the ride!”

Town appoint Kevin Bush and Adam Young as co-chairmen for 2025/26 Season

Melksham Town has announced a key leadership change with Kevin Bush and Adam Young being appointed as co-chairmen of the club.

The two will share responsibilities at the helm, guiding Melksham forward as the new season approaches.

Kev Bush commented: “I am looking forward to working with Adam and the team again to make the matchday experience as good as we can for the supporters. We are aligned in our vision for the club, and I can’t wait for this season to start. Success is the result of everyone pulling in the same direction. Up The Sham.”

Adam Young added: “I’m really happy to be joining Kev as being co-chairman of MTFC. Being a co-chairman means that we can both bring different strengths and experience to the role, I will also continue in my role as youth chairman which I hope will continue to bring our fantastic youth section and senior section closer together still.

“I know Kev and I share the same vision and we both really look forward to working with Mark and his management team this season to try and unlock this club’s true potential.”