New look Town prepare for new season

MELKSHAM Town FC has announced a plethora of signings as the club prepares for their pre-season fixtures next week.

Chris Allen will return for the new season and says, “Looking forward to starting afresh this season with a new management team who are ambitious and want to build a good team spirit.”

Town’s manager, Richard Fey said, “It’s great to be able to keep Chris as he is a quality midfielder and is going to be a big asset for the younger lads.”

Sayeed Ibrahim has also committed to the club for another season. “I’m from Melksham so it’s different for me,” said Sayeed. “It’s a new era and something to look forward to!”

Richard commented, “We can’t wait to work with Sayeed. He has been a great servant to the club and has always done well against my teams. He wants to play for the club and was a pleasure to talk to when I took the job.”

Moving from Chipping Sodbury to Town is George Box. Richard said, “Another lad with great potential and has had a great season last year with Chipping Sodbury. He has scored goals at this level with Yate and I know he will do well here.”

George said, “I am really looking forward to joining Melksham and making the step back to the Southern League. I want to come and enjoy my football and give 100% to the club’.”

Following in Richard’s footsteps and making the move from Street to Town is Leigh Bailey. Richard said, “Bailey is another great signing for the club. We’ve beat off good competition for him to commit. He was outstanding last season for me at Street and can play anywhere.”

Leigh commented, “I’m looking forward to playing at the InfiLED arena. It will be great to play another year of the Southern League and teaming up again with a few of the boys from last year and management.”

Will Thomson has also committed to the club for the 2019/2020 season. Richard said, “I’ve heard really good things about Will. He is a local lad and I’m looking forward to giving him an opportunity in pre-season to show us what he can do.”

Will added, “As I’m a local lad, I’m looking forward to playing for Melksham. It’s a new start for me and I can’t wait to get involved with the first team. It will be good to get fit and have a run of games.”

Ian Jeffery has signed for the 2019/2020 season. Richard commented, “This was a no brainer for me. Ian is another local lad that deserves the opportunity to play Southern League football. He is a great lad who will be brilliant for team spirit and has an affiliation to Melksham.”

Ian added, “I’m looking forward to having the opportunity to test myself at a higher level and be back at my home town club. I can’t wait to get started!”

Making a return to Southern League football is  Josh Dempsey. Richard said, “’Josh is an excellent keeper and at a great age. He will work with Nick and will be great to have around the place as he is a great character. He has played higher and deserves the chance to play Southern League football again.”

Josh added, “I am so excited to be part of the Melksham Town FC squad. I am really looking forward to playing and can’t wait to get started. I would like to thank Rich for giving me the opportunity to get back into the Southern League.”

Tom Warren has also signed for another season at Town. Tom said, “I’m really happy to stay on and I really enjoyed my time last season. I’ve worked and known Rich Fey for a long time and hopefully my experience and attitude can help us.”

Richard commented, “I’m really pleased Tom is staying. He likes what we have to say and is a experienced player at this level. I know what he can bring to the table and I know he is a supporters favourite.”

Making the move to Town is Paulton Rovers’ top goal scorer, Jack Ball. 

Richard said, “Jack has always impressed me with his work ethic and attitude. He is still only 21 and has been a top goal scorer for Paulton Rovers in this league for the past three seasons. He is coming here for the right reasons and we can’t wait to work with him and help him improve his game.”

Jack commented, “I’m really happy to join Melksham. It’s a big club with management that want to build something special. I’m looking forward to being a part of it and enjoying my football.”

Starting next week, Melksham Town FC will get the opportunity to run out their newly-formed team at a number of pre-season friendly fixture.

On Saturday 13th July Town face Shepton Mallet away, K/O 3pm; Saturday 20th July at home to Yeovil Town. K/O 3pm; Wednesday 24th July at home to Bath City, K/O 7.30pm; Saturday 27th July at home to Chippenham Town, K/O 3pm; Tuesday 30th at home to Swindon Town, K/O 7.30pm; Saturday 3rd August away at Yate Town, K/O 3pm; Saturday 10th August at home to Teignmouth, K/O 2pm. 

The Southern League season then starts on Saturday 17th August.