The demise of a hero is always sad. The king is dead, long live the king. That is how I initially view the departure of Tommy Saunders from Chippenham Town.

One hopes that in future historical reviews of the Bluebirds it will honestly recall that Tommy was at the helm a phrase I use carefully at the club's greatest ever five year period.

Two successive promotions to heights unthought of. An appearance at Wembley with record home attendances en-route in the FA Vase, two Western League Cup final victories, regular home attendances beyond the club's expectations.

Now the crunch has come and looking at the team's record over the final ten games last season, plus the disappointing start to the current campaign, the inevitable has happened.

The factor I have always openly raised is that while Mr. Saunders seems to have an extremely good eye for class players at this level, his man-management was questionable and that real on-pitch motivation came from elsewhere. The current demise seems to co-incide with the departure of a previous member of the management team.

In the final analysis, it must be remembered especially in the Conference League re-organisation taking place at the end of this season Chippenham FC is competing against clubs who have been around a lot longer at this level, have bigger and better grounds, and are so desperate to be in the new Conference set up that many have poured money that our club could not dream of into trying to create winning teams.

It would simply appear that the current manager and the club as it exists has gone as far as possible. There is always a time for new thoughts, outlooks, planning and control. Chippenham Town Football Club has clearly reached this point.

I sincerely hope there are no recriminations, that the decision really was taken by mutual consent and that while the Bluebirds re-organise, redefine and re-assess their future, Tommy can find further successful pastures.

And on the day Chippenham Town play their first Football League home fixture the guests of honour will include all those individuals from the committee, the management and the supporters who have made the club what it now is.

A Phillips,

Chippenham.