TOWN are revved up and raring to go for the start of the new season next month.
Currently midway through their pre-season fixtures – which has already seen them go up against the likes of Bristol Rovers and Swindon Town – Melksham Town FC’s manager, Richard Fey, has told Melksham News that the team is excited to return to competitive football after so long off the pitch.
“We’ve played three pro clubs, drawing against Swindon and Bristol Rovers, which were great results for the lads bearing in mind that we haven’t played a game of competitive football for the last nine months,” said Richard about the pre-season so far.
“And credit to Swindon Town, the young lads they played put in a good shift, and it was a real competitive game.”
“Rovers’ manager, Joey Barton, was really complimentary of us – they played the majority of their first team – and it was a really great performance from the lads to draw one-all.
“And it’s great to be able to build a relationship with another pro side. It bodes well for the future of Melksham.
“We’ve also played Calne, which was another excellent workout for the lads. And we’ve managed to get 90 minutes into a lot of the team. But the returning fitness level of the lads has been excellent.
“Forest Green Rovers were outstanding, an excellent, professional outfit – it was a really hard break for our lads [Town lost 6-0], we were limited on numbers because we had a few niggles and injuries. But we kept the score line respectable, put in a good show, and it was a great fitness session.
“This preseason it’s all about getting minutes into the lads rather than training sessions, because of how long they haven’t played competitively.”
About the start of the upcoming Southern League, which kicks off for Town on Saturday 14th August with an away match against Willand Rovers, Richard said, “We’re really excited. I’ve wanted to keep a small squad this year, as last year we had too many players, and there was lots of chopping and changing. So this year, it’s all about stabilising the squad, keeping it together and close-knit.
“We’ve got a tough start – travelling to Devon in the space of two weeks against Willand and Barnstaple – but hopefully we can pick up some points early doors.”
Remaining friendlies:
• Sat. 24th July – Warminster Town (A) – 3pm
• Tues. 27th July – Chippenham Town (H) – 7.30pm
• Sat. 31st July – Bradford Town (H) – KO 3pm
• Sat. 7th August – Mangotsfield United FC (A) – KO 1pm
Support Melksham News
Help us keep your community connected and informed.
Local news is under pressure more than ever. Choose a monthly subscription or a one-off donation to support independent reporting in Melksham.
Send us your news!
Help us keep your community connected and informed.
Do you have an interesting story you would like to share? Have you seen something you feel needs more attention? Get in touch with a reporter today!
✉️ Click here to get in touch with a reporter
