MELKSHAM Town have begun their search for a new manager following Kieran Baggs' shock resignation late last week.

In a post on social media, Baggs revealed he was stepping down after his “relationship with certain members of the board has broken down”.

Baggs’ former assistant, Luke Ballinger, has been asked to take charge of the first team until the end of the season.

His first game in charge – a 3-0 defeat at home to AFC Totton at the weekend – was not helped by the mass exodus of first-team players that saw Melksham only able to field a team of 10.

In a statement from the club’s committee, the Melksham Town board said: “Kieran Baggs resigned on Friday morning after a meeting with one of the club's directors.

"The club would like to place on record our thanks to Kieran and his father Mick, and to all the players for their hard work over the past two seasons, which has seen Melksham Town promoted to the Southern League for the first time in the club's history.

"The club would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the supporters and players who attended Saturday's game against AFC Totton, for their spontaneous standing ovation at the end of the game and respectful behaviour throughout the season and this match.

"As a club we are extremely disappointed with some of the unfounded speculation posted on social media by a handful of people.

"However we refuse to respond to unfounded speculation, to uphold the club's dignity and conduct ourselves in the professional manner expected from a club of this standard.

"We would like to assure all supporters the club is as ambitious as it has always been, culminating in us having a brand new stand made which enables us to participate in the league above.

"Melksham Town FC, are advertising for the position of first team manager for the 2019/2020 season.

"Anyone interested in applying for the role please contact Darren Perrin on 07855 742960 or email darrencperrin@icloud.com with your CV.

"All applicants will be kept totally confidential and private. Closing dates for applications is Sunday, April 28, 2019."