Town squad taking shape for new season

EXCITEMENT is building for the start of the new season with Melksham Town Football Club announcing its latest signings.

For the coming season the club have re-signed Michael Perrott, Ben Thomson, Dave Thompson, Lee Davidson, Gary Higdon and Jake Hiscocks.

New manager of the club, Kieran Baggs said, “These are the lads that you looked to get signed almost straight away, it signals the intent of what we are aiming to do this season, as any of these lads would walk in to most teams in our league, if not the league above.”

“I’m sure most of the boys have had offers to go other places for a lot more money but I’m glad they’ve all stayed at Melksham and now we can kick on and get preparations ready for the first game of the season.”

Melksham Town’s leading goal scorer Gary Higdon added, “After returning for pre-season under the new management, it is clear from the first few training sessions that there is certainly a good buzz amongst the staff and players.

“After managing to keep nearly the whole squad from last season, and with more very talented young lads coming up from the under 18s team and some new faces too, it looks like being a very promising and exciting year at Melksham Town. Everyone just wants to get back on the pitch and get going, including myself.”

Returning to the club after a brief spell playing for Town last season before ending the year at Cirencester Town is Dan Demkiv. “Dan is someone who can really add a different dimension to our game, he can play out wide or down the middle. He possesses real quality and I’m thrilled he’s joined us for a full campaign,” said manager Kieran Baggs.

“I think the chance of regular football and getting the enjoyment back will do him the world of good, he has the ability to play as high as he wants.

“So hopefully we can all benefit from him signing for the football club, he’s a great kid and we get on really well.”

Returning player Dan Demkiv said, “It’s a big decision to be signing for Melksham as I still have ambition to play at the highest standard as I can, but after a mixed few years since leaving Southampton I’ve found the club have been really good to me and I have really enjoyed my football here.

“The ground is second to none and the supporters have been amazing, I really hope to get a chance to team up with my brother Callum again as well, as soon as he’s back from injury.

“Since the end of last season, Baggsy has made it very clear to me how much he wanted me at the club and he has been very good with me and my brother, which is a massive factor in me joining.

“I’m hoping I can repay his faith in me by producing more games and goals like last season against Bristol Manor Farm and to help us with the push to promotion.”

Other signings for the new season include Alex Grimshaw, a versatile defender who has previously played for Bridgwater Town and Paulton Rovers.

Former regular for Melksham in 2002, Steve Casey is returning. His previous clubs include Yeovil Town, Chard Town, Calne Town, Chippenham Town and Larkhall Athletic.

Moving from Chippenham Park to the club is Ben Pring. Last season Ben scored 29 goals in 31 games for the team in Toolstation Western League Division 1.

Manager Kieran Baggs has also snapped up Jake Brown, who last season was the captain for Wells City.

“Jake can play on either wing or as an attacking midfielder and has a great bag of tricks which can unlock defences.”