Summer switch raises a smile (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Summer switch raises a smile

MELKSHAM TOWN; MANAGER Kelvin Highmore has revealed he is a changed man this season after struggling to raise a smile during his three-year stint as manager at Calne Town.

His switch to the Conigre in the summer shocked outsiders but, while not wanting to go public with his reasons, he insists it was a move he had to make.

With a fresh outlook on the game the man known for always looking down in the mouth is being called 'Happy Highmore' at his new club as he bids to prove he has been misunderstood.

He said: 'If I had not got the Melksham job I would have walked away from management because my position at Calne was untenable due to things behind the scenes.

"It could be viewed as a gamble but as far as I am concerned the last month has been a breath of fresh air.

"I feel I am at a bigger club anyway and I am just getting back to enjoying my football.

"Mick Perrin is a chairman who exudes confidence and who spurs everyone on. He is always doing things at the club and is obviously devoted to Melksham. It is a pleasure to work with someone like that.

"People say they have seen me smile more in the last month than I ever did at Calne. I am out to prove I have been misunderstood and hopefully the Happy Highmore tag is here to stay."

It has all been change at the Conigre this summer with two players departing and 12 new signings.

Striker Ben Highmore and defender Adam Young have joined Gareth Evans, Steve Sheck, Justin Messenger, Gavin Eyre, Tom Ritchie, Lee Burke, Dave Macey, Simon Price, Matty Messenger, and Josh Brigham as new arrivals.

Jamie Cheeseman has signed for Chippenham Town while Simeon Allison has moved to Premier Division rivals Frome Town but Highmore is happy with his new look squad.

He said: "Things are not going to happen over night here and our first target has to be survival. Once we are past the 40 point mark we will have another look at it. Last year I had a lot of pressure and expectations put on me at Calne but this season I know a midtable finish would delight everyone.

"There is not as much pressure on me here and survival this season will earn me another couple of season to build something here.

"The squad is very young and I would like to bring in a bit more experience but we will to have to have a look at that again a month or so into the season."

After seasons of managerial merry-go-rounds, Melksham will be hoping the arrival of Highmore will bring some stability.