DEAN Ranger has quit Melksham Town in pursuit of a new challenge, but the midfielder is tipping his former team-mates to prove their doubters wrong.

After starting pre-season training with Westbury United, Ranger is now impressing at Frome Town as he weighs up his options for the new season.

The tenacious midfielder has been at the Conigre for the past four years but has decided to move on and start afresh elsewhere.

Ranger, 24, said: "I have had a great time at Melksham and have made a lot of good friends there but I feel it is time for a change.

"It was a hard decision but everyone needs a new challenge at times and I just feel I have reached that stage.

"I don't quite know where I will be going at the moment. I have enjoyed playing at Frome and also training with Westbury so I will just wait and see what happens."

He has become the latest in a long line of players to have departed the Conigre this summer leading a number of people, including their own chairman Mick Perrin, to question the team's credentials.

But Ranger believes it is too early to write Melksham off yet and is confident the team can enjoy a good season in the Screwfix League Premier Division.

He said: "The club has a lot going for it. It has one of the best pitches around and there are also some very good young players.

"I know a few players have left but I am sure Nigel Tripp has replacements in mind and there are enough good players already there to make sure they are alright.

"I wish everyone at the club all the best and want to thank them for everything they have done for me over the last four years."