DR MARTENS LEAGUE

By Andy Cryer

WHILE Chippenham Town continue to make steady progress under the rule of Steve White his arrival at Hardenhuish has not been good news for everyone.

Since White was appointed manager, just over a month ago, Scott Walker has found himself completely out of favour and out of the team.

The midfielder played in the first two games of White's regime but was then dropped to the bench and for the matches against Chelmsford and Weston he was left out of the squad completely.

Walker's fortunes have suffered a dramatic turnaround in the last few weeks as before White's arrival he was seen by most as the one shining light in a dismal start to the season for the Bluebirds.

He has already scored seven goals from his left midfield berth and while Chippenham were searching for a new manager he collected the man of match award for three consecutive matches.

Walker, 27, signed for the Bluebirds near the end of last season, as a replacement for long term absentee Steve Brown, and he admits that the last few weeks have been among his hardest in his career.

He said: "I can't describe the feeling of being left out of the squad. It is gutting, absolutely devastating, and to be honest I don't really know what to say.

"If I was playing terribly, possibly I am, or if I had an injury and wasn't feeling fit then I would understand but I have to admit I don't understand why I am not involved at the moment.

"The last few weeks have been exceptionally hard for me but I just have to dig in and keep working."

He started his career at Exeter City before moving to Chippenham's local rivals Bath City. He then enjoyed a spell at Newport County before moving to Hardenhuish.

Walker still has another season and a half left on his current contract and he is determined to work his way back into the side.

He will be hoping to have been selected for yesterday's match at Tiverton and then for tomorrow's match at home to Nuneaton Borough.

He said: "I just have to keep my head down. I have to try and train harder, work harder and get back on the pitch.

"Then when I am on the pitch I need to make sure I do enough to keep my place in the team. The situation here has turned around completely to how it was as we have got so many fit players.

"Steve has brought in some new players and they have been playing well but I just have to look at myself and keep doing the right things."

Mark Harrington became the first casualty of White's reign when he signed for Paulton Rovers last week but for the moment Walker is still hopeful of a future at Hardenhuish.

He said: "When new managers come into a club they obviously have their own ideas but I just have to get on with it.

"Harry has already left but as far as I am concerned I have got a long time left on my contract and I want to be here playing for Chippenham.

"A year and a half would be a very long time to spend waiting around on the sidelines and although we are overloaded with midfielders I intend to get my place back.

"I can't play any other positions so it is just a matter of cracking down and waiting for my chance."

Steve White insists Walker is still in his plans though.

He said: "He has just been very unfortunate at not being involved in recent weeks.

"It is not always going to be the same player left out each week and I do appreciate his abilities."