Melksham Town FC’s new manager, Richard Fey, is calling on fans to get behind the club as the new season kicks off this weekend.
After last season’s unsettling end, which saw the shock departure of manager Kieran Baggs and a number of players, the new manager has hailed the new season as a fresh start and a ‘new era’ for the club.
He has also heaped praise on his new team – full of young local Melksham players – who are eager to get the club back on track.
And he is appealing to supporters to show up in their droves to support the new-look team for their first game of the season, this Saturday 17th August, at home to Slimbridge.
Speaking to Melksham News, Richard said, “This is a new season and a new era for the club and we are really looking forward to it – it’s been a real period of transition for the club. We have an almost entirely new squad – only three players remain from last year’s team – Luke Ballinger, Chris Allen and Tom Warren.
“For the new season we are giving a lot of young lads a chance – Callum Demkiv, Ian Jeffrey, Jake Hutching, Tom Mack and Harry Pickering – all local lads.
“This pre-season we have had a chance to look at them all in action, and for them to get to know each other. All the players have stepped up and they are all excited to get going.
“One thing I have been focussed on this pre-season is generating a real team spirit amongst the lads – but this won’t happen overnight. But they are all there for the right reasons, so we will hopefully generate a positive atmosphere that will bring the club together, and bring on some positive results.”
About their potential rivals in the league, Richard said, “There are probably about eight to 10 teams in the league who we need to watch out for, including Winchester, Thatcham and Frome, who will all be vying for the top and to win promotion. But we need to take care of ourselves – look ahead to the new season and try to finish higher than last season’s 12th place – that would be unbelievable.
“However, we are excited to play Frome, it’s my old club – I used to play for them – and they have signed a few ex-Melksham Town players – so there is real anticipation for when we first go up against them on Boxing Day. They are going to be great local rivals.
“For now, the main aim for the club is stability. We need the supporters to really get behind this team – it would be fantastic to get a great turnout for the first match of the season, which is at home this Saturday, 17th August, against Slimbridge – the lads deserve it.”
• Town’s first match of the season is at home at the InfiLED Arena at Oakfields, this Saturday 17th August. Kick off is at 3pm.
