WITH a new home, new manager and new players, it’s been a season of change for Town – now lying in fourth place in the league and on the cusp of making history in the FA Vase – and the chair of the club has promised that the best is yet to come for the yellow and blacks.
Reflecting on the season so far, Melksham Town FC chair, Darren Perrin, has praised the new facilities at Oakfields and the work of new manager of Kieran Baggs, who has kept the team in contention for a promotion next year and for victory in the Les Phillips Cup and FA Vase.
Darren said, “The team currently sit in fourth place in the league, which is a great success, so all credit to manager Kieran and the players. Moving forward we’re in a position to have a real go at finishing in the top two and being promoted. We know that two teams will be promoted from the league next year and we are ready to make a real challenge.
“We are also still in the Les Phillips Cup, which we won last season for the first time in our history and this season we could make history again in the FA Vase.
“Progressing to the last 32 of the FA Vase has been a huge achievement for the team this year. The lads are on the cusp of making history, with their home draw next month against Crowborough Athletic. A win will see them through to the last 16 for the first time in the club’s history.
“Kieran is doing very well as manager. It’s been a big step for him, having not managed a league team before. There have been a few difficulties, especially early on in the season, but he came through them with flying colours. He’s really growing into the role and we couldn’t be happier. He’s a top person and works extremely hard.
“The support from the Melksham community has been amazing. With an average attendance of over 200 people for home games, we are the biggest and best supported club in the league. We surpass other teams by a huge margin. So I want to say a huge thank you on behalf of the club for their continued support. Long may this continue in 2018; we have some work to do in the new year, so please do keep coming and cheering us on.
“Our new home, Oakfields, has been fantastic; the facilities we have are so good, they are first class – the facilities are so good that visiting teams really raise their game when they come to play.
“Overall, I can’t single out any of the players as you win and lose as a team, it’s not about individuals. The players have done fine, but they know that only half the job is done and that there is still work to do. We will get better and stronger in 2018 and I know that the players are as determined as I, the club and Kieran are to make 2018 as successful as 2017. The best is yet to come!”
