Melksham squad in early for training (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Melksham squad in early for training

1:59pm Friday 22nd June 2007 in Football By Nick Mashiter

PRE-SEASON training will begin for Melksham Town on Tuesday as manager Kelvin Highmore looks to get them fully focussed.

Their first friendly is at home to Bath City on Thursday, July 12, and Highmore wants his side ready ahead of a gruelling summer workout.

He said: "It is more to be mentally prepared than anything else and to get the legs working again. We have a young side and are getting them in early so they are focussed for Bath."

Highmore hopes to bolster his squad with two strikers before the Southern League Premier Division champions visit the Conigre.

Livewire Luke Ballinger will spend pre-season training with Chippenham Town and the manager needs more forward options.

He said: "Everyone has indicated they are going to stay so we are looking to replace Bally. I've got a couple of irons in the fire, one is a Bristol-based lad."

One player who has signed is Frank Coleman from Corsham Town and Highmore is looking forward to welcoming the attacking midfielder.

He said: "Frank is a player I have been after for a long time. We have lost Mike Perrott to Team Bath so it balances perfectly and he will bring more experience to the side."

The 37-year-old took the unusual step of posting on Corsham's website, saying he had decided to move to the Conigre.

He said: "Melksham is an up and coming club with some talented young players. It's a new challenge for me, which I am looking forward to. The strongest drive for me is the desire to play football for the town in which I live."

THE first Chippenham Referee's Society Meeting is on Thursday, August 16. Old and new members are welcome. If you are interested in qualifying to become a referee contact Gary Stoneham on (01249) 660042 or Ady Hunt on (01249) 65076.