Highmore's future hangs in balance (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Highmore's future hangs in balance

KELVIN Highmore admits his future as Calne Town manager is far from clear as his side battle to secure one of the two promotion spots into the Screwfix Premier Division.

The Calne boss last week revealed failure to win promotion would potentially bring about the break-up of his squad and he has now added his name to possible summer departures.

Saturday's win at home to Street leaves Calne ten points behind second placed Radstock, but with three games in hand, second place is still a realistic target.

Ahead of trips to Elmore on Saturday and Shepton Mallet on Tuesday, Highmore has emphasised the importance of promotion.

He said: "The club have put in an awful amount of effort to get promoted. I have brought a lot of players in for that aim and if we miss out a lot of our lads will move on next season.

"We know we can compete at a higher level after beating several premier division sides in cup competitions. I would have to take stock myself if we failed to go up.

"I could have a massive rebuilding job on my hands and after three seasons of getting the squad together I am not sure whether I want to do it again. Perhaps I will get an offer to go elsewhere, who knows?

"Also, the chairman might feel there is a need for a change. Everything will have to be reviewed in the summer if we fail to go up." Despite the uncertainty, Highmore insists the main priority for everyone at the moment is on getting as many points as possible from the last seven matches of the campaign.

He said: "If we get in the top two I know my players will give me another season. They would feel they owe that to me.

"At the moment all we can do is pick up as many points as possible and then see where it leaves us.

"All I can say is I am still Calne Town manager at the moment and I will do everything I can to try and get us promoted."

Kevin Banks is hoping to be fit for tomorrow despite a knee injury while Robbie Lardner is expected to be restored to the starting line up after being rested on Saturday.