Melksham Town manager Mark Collier says he’s ‘very optimistic’ ahead of the new Southern League season with a raft of new signings, strong pre-season form and fantastic support from the terraces setting the tone for a positive campaign.
Speaking to Melksham News, Mark said the club had enjoyed a productive pre-season with a series of competitive friendlies, including a well-supported home fixture against a Swindon Town when over 1,300 fans came through the turnstiles.
“The group has come together really well,” he said. “We’ve brought in seven new signings, and they’ve all slotted in nicely. Morale is good, and the squad is in a strong place going into the season. We may add one or two more players before the end of August, depending on movement from other clubs, but overall, we’re happy with where we are. We think we’ve got a competitive squad.”
Among the new arrivals are several players expected to make a big impact, including Will Christopher – returning to Town after spells with Bath City, Cirencester Town and Yate Town – Olly Mayhew from Swindon Supermarine and Josh Bennett, who returns to the club after a spell with Taunton Town. Also joining is Jamal Lawrence from Fairford Town, one of last season’s top scorer in the Hellenic League, and promising winger Archie Milne from Corsham Town, an ex-Swindon Town Youth Team player.
“They’ve all impressed in pre-season and will have a big role to play,” said Mark.
Melksham narrowly missed out on the play-offs last season, finishing eighth and are aiming to go one better this year. “The aim is to improve on last year and push for the play-offs,” said Mark. “We know there are some big, well-financed clubs in the league including three of the teams which came down – Swindon Supermarine, Winchester and Frome; I think they will be in and around the top of the league. Bishops Cleeve and Malvern who played in the playoffs last year, both of those two have recruited heavily over the summer. But our goal is to stay on their coattails and see where it takes us.”
Mark also praised the club’s growing fanbase, with average crowds of nearly 500 last season. “The fans were fantastic and make a huge difference,” he said. “If we can get off to a good start, play some attacking football and get results, I know the support will grow even more. And if you haven’t been to a game, come along – the stadium has a great fan zone and a brilliant matchday atmosphere.”
The club is also looking to the future, giving local youth a chance to shine. “We’ve already involved a 15-year-old and two 16-year-olds in pre-season, and one of them, Leon Hardman, has signed Southern League forms. If they’re good enough, they’ll get their chance. We’ve got a thriving youth section, and we want it to be more closely linked with the first team.”
With a mix of experience, exciting new signings, a thriving youth setup, and a loyal fanbase, Mark is hopeful this could be a strong season for the Town side.
“Our aim is to be competitive in every game, and if we can do that, then we will give ourselves a good chance,” he said. “It’s a long road until April – but we’re ready and looking forward to the challenge.”
Upcoming Town Fixtures:
Saturday 2nd August AFC Portchester (H) Cup 3pm
Saturday 9th August Sporting Club Inkberrow (H) Lge 3pm
Wednesday 13th August Willand Rovers (A) Lge 7.30pm
Saturday 23rd August Exmouth Town (H) Lge 3pm
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