STEVE 'Alfie' Bidgood has taken over as manager of Heytesbury Football Club, averting imminent closure and safeguarding the future of the century-old club.

The imminent resignation of Steve Richardson both as manager and player after tomorrow's Trowbridge League Division One visit to Frome Town Sports, had plunged the club deeper into crisis, with the villagers already facing a massive task in preserving their record-breaking 52-year-old tenure in the top division of the Trowbridge League.

Richardson, who intended to resign two months previously, called Monday's meeting, chaired by Graham Berridge of The Red Lion, in a frantic bid to save the club that boasts a vast collection of league and cup silverware.

It was also at Heytesbury Park, which has one of the best playing surfaces in the league, that Rob Newman learnt his trade before playing for Bristol City and Norwich City.

Warminster-based Bidgood, 39, who has been with the club for seven years as striker and is now a computer engineer after 14 years in the Army, said: "I am not doing the job in the short term just to save the club this season.

"If we go down I want to lead the club straight back up. There are some very promising young players here though more are needed."

Among the 25-strong members on Monday was Mr Heytesbury himself, 86-year-old Ken Chant, who defied failing health to make an emotional appearance at Monday night's special meeting.

Mr Chant, who has already been honoured by the league, county and the Football Association for his dedication to the club, is now in his 55th year as Heytesbury secretary.

The role of secretary, however, is about to change with Mr Chant recognising he cannot go on for ever.

He will be gradually handing over to Richard Vantromp, who has been a village resident for 17 years and has had previous experience in that role.

The club's future was further safeguarded by several other matters being resolved while another stalwart Roger Cundick standing down from his countless tasks performed over 47 years.

Mr Cundick will continue to help out on a committee that was numerically strengthened but needs more personnel.

Anyone interested joining Heytesbury as a player or committee member should contact Steve Bidgood on (01985) 219567 or Graham Berridge on (01985) 840315.