KELVIN Highmore said he had "a gut feeling" that now was the right time for a new challenge after accepting the post as Melksham Town's new manager.

Highmore. pictured right, stunned Calne when he announced his resignation at Bremhill View, having led them to promotion to the Screwfix League Premier Division and a Les Phillips Cup final, but he said it was just "time to go".

Highmore has been manager at Calne for the past three seasons, taking them from the brink of the Wiltshire League to the top flight of the Screwfix League, and is now looking forward to the challenge at Melksham.

He said: "People may look upon it as a strange decision after getting promoted but I just felt it was the right time to move on. When I took over the club was at the bottom of the pile and now they are looking forward to playing in the Premier Division so I am walking away with my head held high.

"It was just my gut feeling that now was the right time to go. I have really enjoyed my three years here."

Highmore's switch has sparked fears a number of Calne's present squad could soon follow him to the Conigre but he insists he has not even thought about that yet.

He said: "I am going into it with my eyes wide open. I have got a bit of a rebuilding job and will be working with the players I have already got.

"I have not even spoken to any of the Melksham players yet and I will spend the next few days doing that before going on holiday on Tuesday.

"They could either see a new manager as a breath of fresh air or they might not like me and might want to leave. I have already had players from other clubs saying they are interested."

Highmore's first job as manager of Melksham will be to try to persuade his assistant Simon Hillier to join him.

He said: "That was the only downside about the job as I had to take it while Simon was still on holiday. I have had a quick chat with him but we need to talk some more.

"I would love him to come with me and we will talk about it when he returns from his honeymoon.

"Justin Messenger has already agreed to come with me as a player coach and my aim here is to try and draw the crowds back to the club."