MELKSHAM Town boss Nigel Tripp has challenged his players to prove their chairman wrong by staying clear of the relegation fight this campaign.

Tripp hit back after chairman Mick Perrin told the Wiltshire Times last week he thought the side would struggle to avoid relegation from the Screwfix League Premier Division.

Tripp admitted he was "surprised and disappointed" by Perrin's comments but defiantly vowed to make him eat his words by next May.

He said: "When you read stuff like that from the chairman you begin to wonder exactly what you are meant to do.

"He is coming out with more negatives than a photographer's dark room but I am confident the players will prove him wrong.

"I am optimistic about the new season and I believe the players will be desperate to go and show our chairman that they are good enough for this league."

Perrin's comments came after a number of players have left the Conigre this summer and a disappointing 2-2 draw with lower league side Holt in friendly last week.

But Tripp insists the departures were not key players and is more than confident in the ability of the rest of his squad.

He said: "Basically, Mick was saying the players left at the club are not good enough, but I disagree.

"The only players we have lost that always played are Steve Casey and Dean Ranger but we have a number of youngsters who can replace them.

"I am not at all worried about the season and am looking forward to it. Mick is entitled to his opinion and I think it will just help the players try that bit harder.

"All I will say is that in one breath he said we need to add some more players and then he said we are going down. What player would be attracted to a club going down? I would not employ him as a PR man."

Melksham's newest signing, Rob Ivermee, starred in Saturday's 5-3 win at home to Poole Town with a seven-minute second half double after coming on as a substitute.

The former Wiltshire under 18s striker added to strikes from Owen Bryan, Simeon Allison and a 25-yard volley from Gordon Smith as Melksham started to repay their manager's faith in them.

They also look set to sign Paulin Mbakop, a Cameroon midfielder who has been playing for Holt in the Chippenham Sunday League, but have to wait for international clearance from the FA before his signature is confirmed.

Tripp's preparations have also been boosted by the news that experienced defender Jason Lunt is hoping to play a bigger part for the first team this campaign after injury has disrupted his last two seasons.

Tripp, who has also added central defender Stewart Card to his squad, said: "I am not going to go out and bring players in just for the sake of it.

"A couple more experienced players would be nice but only if they are better than what we already have.

"We have got a lot of good young players here and I am already quite happy with what I have got here."

Perrin said he would be delighted if the team proved him wrong.

He said: "Nigel's reaction has been very positive and I am delighted because that is exactly what we need. We have fought hard to get into the division and it is where we belong so it would be great if we can stay in."