PAUL Thorpe rolled back the years on Saturday and afterwards admitted he loved every minute of it.

The former Trowbridge Town favourite returned to the Bees' defence in Saturday's cup win and has made himself available for Wednesday's Floodlight Cup semi-final first leg tie against Almondsbury.

Thorpe, 40, was a member of John Murphy's Trowbridge Town team who played in the Southern League in the early 90s. He enjoyed a two and half year spell at Frome Road and said it was those past experiences that persuaded him to return.

He said: "They were fantastic times for me and the club and I will never forget how great the fans were to me.

"Neil Kirkpatrick put in a seven days' notice of approach for me and I decided I could not really turn down a chance to relive some of those memories."

Thorpe may not be a permanent fixture in the Trowbridge side this season because he is also signed for Screwfix League side Chard, but he admitted the situation could change.

He said: "At the moment I am committed to Chard but I know Neil is keeping an eye on the situation and who knows what will happen.

"I loved being back in a Trowbridge shirt and I was very impressed with some of the youngsters on Saturday.

"The best thing about them was they worked their backsides off for each other without any bickering and this is something that has been lacking at Chard this season."

Thorpe, who enjoyed a spell as manager of Frome Town, said he would help Trowbridge out when he could but also said he feared time was running out for him.

He said: "People have to understand that I am 40 and although I think I am still capable of doing a job, the age factor might hit me soon.

"I keep myself fit and will keep going until I am not wanted or needed any more.

"Trowbridge have got a lot of youngsters and I think to have some of my experience next to them could prove beneficial."

Ahead of Wednesday's semi-final tie at Westbury United's Meadow Lane, kick off 7.30pm, Kirkpatrick said Thorpe's signing was a huge boost.

He said: "Paul was different class on Saturday and I will be seeing if he will change his mind about signing for us full time.

"He has great experience and you could tell our youngsters were buzzing about playing next to him.

"It is good news for us that he is available on Wednesday but we will have to see what happens with him in the future."