Tripp will carry on playing (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Tripp will carry on playing

FORMER Melksham Town boss Nigel Tripp could play a big role in Trowbridge's title bid after signing for Malmesbury Victoria.

Trowbridge are due to face the Vics twice in 10 days as the Hellenic League Division One West reaches its climax this season, pitting Tripp against one of his former clubs.

Tripp quit Melksham following their 10-0 home loss to Bideford and is now looking forward to playing under his ex-Chippenham Town team-mate and Malmesbury boss Graham Learmouth.

Tripp, 41, said: "I was gutted and extremely embarrassed last Saturday. I cannot take a 10-0 hammering from a team in the same league.

"If I did not quit I would expect to be sacked. Getting back to playing should put a smile back on my face.

"I still have two years left of playing and want to make the most of it. I am coming towards the end of my playing days and every Saturday spent at home is a Saturday wasted."

Tripp's former clubs include Chippenham, Salisbury, Gloucester, Mangotsfield, Calne and Westbury, but he has particularly fond memories of his time at Trowbridge.

He said: "My favourite goal I scored was for Trowbridge against Dorchester in the Southern Premier.

"We drew 2-2 and I grabbed the equaliser, it was only a header but for some reason it has stuck in my mind for all these years."