Kelvin takes a back seat on Bremhill View return (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Kelvin takes a back seat on Bremhill View return

2:32pm Monday 12th December 2005 in Football

MELKSHAM Town manager Kelvin Highmore said he would find it strange to go into the away changing room on Wednesday when he faces former side Calne Town.

He said he cannot wait to get the game out of the way so he can concentrate on the rest of the season, but was looking forward to seeing old faces.

"I was hoping to have this game in the new year so it's a fresh start, but this fixture has been arranged for December, which is a bit of a shock to me," said Highmore after already facing his former side once this season, a 1-1 draw at The Conigre in October.

"It will be much the same as last time and I will take a back seat and let my assistants take the team talk.

"It's not me against Calne, it's Melksham against Calne. I don't want to get involved. It's a chapter that is behind me. I have the greatest respect for the club, the team and the management.

"It will be strange for me to go into the away team dressing room as I had three great years there, but that's life.

"I was talking to Simon Hillier (Calne Town assistant manager) on Friday and he said he still finds it difficult sometimes when Robbie (Lardner, Calne player-manager) is playing and he has no one to bounce things off.

"Perhaps I can sit in the home dugout with him and I will let him chat to me about the game," joked Highmore.

Before the derby, Highmore's side host Brislington on Saturday.

Highmore said he expected a tough game.

"It will be hard as they have a big, physical side and are doing well in the league," the manager added.

"But I have confidence in my side and if we can get the ball down and not give away silly free kicks then we will do well."

Melksham's match against Bridgwater was postponed on Saturday.