Youth captain shocked by decision (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Youth captain shocked by decision

10:21am Thursday 15th March 2007 in Football By Nick Mashiter

WILTSHIRE U18 captain Mike Perrott has been left mystified after the sacking of boss Mel Gingell.

Gingell was relieved of his duties last week, after a 4-1 defeat to Hampshire, but the man he made captain cannot believe he has gone.

He said: "It was a shock. We are still in with a shout of winning the league and are in a cup final. He does not really deserve what has happened and I don't know what has gone on.

"It was not as if there was a rift or he didn't get on with any players. He always wanted to help and improve the players and was there for advice. I can't see it being about football results."

The Melksham winger, 17, was given his first chance in the county set up by Gingell and feels a great amount of gratitude towards his former boss.

"I owe him a massive amount, I have always been shy, and still am a little bit, but there is an added responsibility when you are captain," he said.

"You have to talk to players one on one and have to motivate them. I have learned so much with what he talks about like tactics and things on and off the pitch.

"Last year was a big year for me and he was there to make sure I was okay and comfortable with everything."

Perrott and the squad are now left wondering who will come in and take over.

He said: "Maybe someone will come in with different ideas but they won't find anyone with anymore passion than Mel. You could see it with the defeat to Hampshire.

"Off the pitch matters don't really concern me, I just want to play football. I'll be giving him a ring but it is a bit weird how things have happened."

Tuesday's South West Counties game with Dorset was postponed as the pitch was unplayable. The county is also in the League Cup final against Oxfordshire in April.