EXCLUSIVE: TOMMY Saunders could be returning to football management after declaring his interest in the vacant hot seat at Screwfix Premier League side Melksham Town.

Lee Burns' resignation has seen a host of names linked with the post and former Chippenham Town boss Saunders is one of the first to throw his hat into the ring.

He said: "I have missed football tremendously and everyone knows I want to get back to management.

"I am very interested in the job at Melksham, as it is on my doorstep and would not affect my work. If they gave me a ring about it I would seriously consider it."

He has been joined by former Westbury boss, Burns' assistant at the Conigre, Derek Graham, who has confirmed he is keen to become the next Melksham manager.

Trowbridge Town boss Neil Kirkpatrick ruled himself out of the running and Calne Town's Kelvin Highmore declined to comment.

Saunders has led a chequered career in management.

He earned almost legendary status at Hardenhuish after leading them to back-to-back promotions and a Wembley appearance in the final of the FA Vase in 2000.

His relationship with the fans soured towards the end of his five-year reign and since leaving the club by mutual consent in 2003 he has failed to re-find that Midas touch. He lasted just 55 days at Swindon Supermarine before quitting and then went back on a decision to take charge of Bitton just a day after accepting the post.

If appointed, Saunders will be replacing the man who was his captain for his finest hour, Chippenham's appearance at Wembley, and he feels they would have made a good partnership.

He said: "I would have loved the job when they offered it to Lee back in February but they never rang me then so I don't know whether they would want me now. Lee could have been my assistant and I think he could have learned from me.

"It is also a great shame Malcolm Lyus (the former Chippenham chairman) has decided not to get back into football. I firmly believe that if we teamed up again at Melksham we could do what we did at Chippenham. I think there is that potential at Melksham."

Saunders has had a long-running rivalry with former Melksham boss Darren Perrin, son of the Melksham chairman Mick, but insists that will not get in the way.

He said: "I am now very good friends with Darren Perrin and I don't think that would be a problem at all."

Mick Perrin said: "I would like to thank Lee for all the hard work he has done since February and I accept his reasons for leaving."

Anyone interested in the post should contact Perrin on 07900 054991.