FIVE top Wiltshire football managers have been cleared of bringing the game into disrepute.

The charges stemmed from the managers expressing their views in the Wiltshire Times and Chippenham News on whether Trowbridge Town's Woodmarsh Ground is up to Screwfix Direct League standards.

But after a series of Wiltshire FA commission hearings all charges against the five and their clubs were thrown out.

Melksham Town's Nigel Tripp, Biddestone's Gary Skidmore, Bradford Town's Neil Hodkinson, Calne Town's Kelvin Highmore and Westbury United's Derek Graham and their clubs all appeared before Wiltshire FA chairman Richard Gardiner, vice-chairman David East and director Keith Cooper this week.

In a brief statement issued yesterday afternoon the Wiltshire FA said: "The charge was not proven in all the cases before them. The clubs have been advised as to their responsibilities to the game."

Wiltshire FA secretary Mike Benson declined to comment further.

Corsham Town manager Colin Bush is due to attend a similar hearing on Wednesday evening after the initial date had to be postponed because of a clash with his side's Wiltshire Senior Cup semi-final on Tuesday night.

Westbury United manager Derek Graham said: "I am really pleased to hear that.

"To be honest I didn't think we had done anything wrong in the first place."

Melksham Town chairman Mick Perrin said: "I think the decision vindicates what we all said.

"As far as I am concerned I did not feel we did anything wrong and I know Nigel Tripp feels the same.

"I am glad it is all over. I appreciate what the Wiltshire FA do for the game and I believe it should be a partnership between them and us."

Full story and reaction in next week's Wiltshire Times and Chippenham News.