Simmons takes on chairman role (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Simmons takes on chairman role

4:14pm Thursday 24th August 2006 in Football

MARLBOROUGH Town have unveiled Chris Simmons as their new chairman, who takes up the vacant role with immediate effect.

Former reserve team manager Simmons was the only candidate to succeed Amit Patel who left the post in July because of other commitments.

President Dennis Cripps said: "It's absolutely great to have Chris and he will be a great asset to the club.

"He is not slow to come up with ideas, is well liked, and is exactly the person we need at the football club."

Vice-chairman Andrew Cripps had been overseeing the running of Marlborough but will now revert back to his normal position.

The club are still on the hunt for a new manager with players Bruno Bevan and Richard Jackson overseeing the start of the season.

The former management team of Keith Jackson and Pete Ward stepped down at the end of last season.

Cripps said: "They are doing a great job and we couldn't ask for any more from them.

"We have had a little interest about the managers job recently but will have to see if it materialises."

Marlborough have struggled at the start of the campaign, losing 3-1 to Melksham Town in the opening game, winning 1-0 against Purton midweek and losing 3-0 against Malmesbury Victoria Reserves on Saturday.

Cripps said: "We just need a bit more experience for the first team.

"We were doing well in the games we lost but fell away so we need a little bit more strength in depth.

"We have to realise it won't go on for ever and we can get through a difficult patch and keep going."

Cripps hopes some of the club's younger players will take the step up into the first team and praised the work of his dedicated youth team coaches.

He said: "Barry Taylor, Paul Lavis and Rob Standing have been doing really well.

"Now we need a little bit extra and the younger players need to make a step up."