New boss relishing Premier challenge (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

New boss relishing Premier challenge

10:28am Tuesday 12th June 2007 in Football By Nick Mashiter

NEW Corsham Town boss Graham Learmonth says he wouldn't have even considered the job had Biddestone not folded.

He admitted to being surprised by the approach from the Southbank committee last week before he was officially appointed last night.

Learmonth replaces Colin Bush, who resigned almost two weeks ago after guiding Corsham to a Toolstation League Premier Division championship and Les Phillips Cup double.

Former club Biddestone, who played in the division below, effectively ceased to exist after failing to hand in their affiliation to the Wiltshire Football Association and the league.

"It is a challenge, one that I am relishing and looking forward to," said Learmonth.

"I had not given it a thought and with the Biddestone situation I was thinking about other things. I wouldn't have gone out of my way to apply for it because I was loyal to Biddestone.

"Jobs in the Premier Division do not come around too often but when they do you have to take them."

The new man knows it will be a difficult test for him and his team of Paul Rose and Nigel Tripp, especially as he believes key players will leave.

Midfielders Scott Lye, Ben Fitch and striker Toby Colbourne are expected to attract the interest of other clubs.

Influential captain Colin Towler, goalkeeper Craig Chapin, midfielder and former assistant manager John Woods and defender Dave Hopkins have already retired.

He said; "I have not spoken to them but they have to move on. Some lads are holding themselves back and there are three or four who can play higher."