Learmonth, 50, rules out Toolstation playing return (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Learmonth, 50, rules out Toolstation playing return

BIDDESTONE manager Graham Learmonth will not be making a playing comeback despite 44 minutes for Biddestone Arms in the Chippenham and District Sunday League.

The manager, 50, dusted off his playing boots and joined in with the team, despite only intending to make a cameo appearance.

With the manager signing Nigel Tripp to add experience to his side's back line, is there any chance of Learmonth and assistant Paul Rose rolling back the years in the Toolstation League?

"Oh, goodness no," said Learmonth.

"Maybe if we are in a safe place at the end of season it may be nice to say I played a game, but right now my team is doing well with me on the sidelines.

"It would be fun but I only intended to play 44 seconds this weekend. No side affects though."

Learmonth's side had a weekend off and trained on Saturday before watching the reserve side play against Westbury.

The manager said: "It was good just to get together. We had a bit of fun, played a bit of rugby and watched the reserves. There's a few lads that played very well, some from Chippenham U18s.

"One lad, Jack Coathupe, played very well and we will bring him along to training and definitely sign him up."

Biddestone travel to Wellington on Saturday for a tough match-up.