MELKSHAM manager Nigel Tripp is confident that he has done enough to the squad to keep them in the Screwfix Premier this season.

He has made a few additions to the squad that he feels is good enough to be able to compete this year. He said: "Pre-season has gone well. The players have a good attitude this year and they have shown good commitment. Last season I was relying on the under 18 squad so I needed to bolster the team in the summer. We needed fresh faces but because of financial restraints it is hard to keep a big squad."

Tripp regrets that he has lost two players to other clubs this summer. Steve Casey, a full back, has made the step up to Portland Rovers while midfielder Dean Ranger has moved to Frome. Tripp is happy with the signings that he has made though.

Mifielder Jamie Harrison has came from Screwfix Premier rivals Corsham. Stuart Card has made the step up from local level football to Melksham. He is another midfielder. Tripp's player to watch this year is youngster Rob Ivormore. The 18 year old has come from Bermerton Heath Harlequins and the striker has scored three goals in pre-season already.

Tripp is being realistic with his aims. He said: "My objective is to stay in the premier league and maybe look to mid-table. I have a young squad and it will be a few years before I reap the benefits."

Tripp predicted that Biddeford will win the division.

Pre-season results have gone well for Melksham. They beat Poole town 5-2, drew with Sunday league side Holt 2-2, but were beaten 3-1 against Bermerton Heath Harlequins.

The reserve team have a new manager in Alan Roberts and in the under 18s, it's Chris Ballinger.