Mel says I'm the man to revive county fortunes (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Mel says I'm the man to revive county fortunes

COUNTY FOOTBALL: MEL Gingell, who has been put in charge of the Wiltshire senior team, believes he is the ideal man to resurrect the county's flagging fortunes.

Gingell, who has been manager of the county under 18s team for the past three years, said: "I feel it is an honour to run the side. At the end of the day to run your county side is second only to running your country, although I think the national job will probably be safe for another year.

"When I got the youth job three years ago my intention was to bring the players through to the senior side. If I don't do this then my time has been wasted.

"I think I can do it and get that senior side as successful as I have got the youth team. I am 100 per cent sure I am the man for the job even if it takes me a season to do it."

The future of Wiltshire's senior representative side is again in doubt as players continue to snub the chance of playing for their county.

Wiltshire returned to the South West Counties Championship this season after a two-year absence but they have struggled to field a team.

They have only played one game so far this season, a 2-2 draw with Guernsey in November, and have three more matches left to complete their fixture list.

Gingell insists it would be a travesty if Wiltshire are forced to withdraw from the south west championship.

He said: "It would be devastating if the team had to fold. I know some players are on contracts but I don't care where the players come from as I think there are good players in every league. There is a lot of untapped talent.

"The county has had a few problems that should have been sorted out earlier but my job is to look forward. I will have the respect of all the managers, which is very important."