CHIPPENHAM-born Adie Mings has emerged as the players' choice to succeed Tommy Saunders as manager at Hardenhuish.

Mings has been put in temporary charge of the club for the next few games, but striker Martin Paul has revealed that everyone is rooting for Mings to be appointed full time.

And the players' wish looked a step closer to coming true on Wednesday night after chairman Malcolm Lyus suggested Mings may be given until the end of the season to prove himself.

Paul said: "Adie Mings is top class. Everyone is behind him getting the job, certainly the players are.

"He has got the respect of all the players and the supporters, but it is now up the board to decide to go with him or not.

"They have got to decide whether they want to bring in someone with experience or whether they try Mingsy, which we think could be the right option."

Since becoming caretaker manager, Mings has brought some experienced players to the club, including former Exeter defender Danny Bailey and Paul believes he has worked wonders in his short time in charge.

He said: "Mingsy has freshened things up. The experienced lads he has brought in have been brilliant. Toby Redwood looked very good in defence, while Bailey has been a revelation.

"Perhaps we couldn't get these type of players in when Tommy Saunders was in charge. Adie has definitely lifted the club and all the players are rooting for him.

"I think it would suit to give Mingsy till the end of the season at least because it would keep the continuity going and he knows the lads and has proved he has the contacts to make the job a success."

He continued: "The good thing about Mingsy is we all know what he is all about. He will always give 100 per cent. I am sure he will agree that he has never been the most skilful of players so we know exactly what to expect from him.

"We know that if we put in 100 per cent for him he will back us all the way. There has been a smile on the face of the football club over the last 10 days and I think it shone through tonight.

"The players are enjoying their football again and we have Mingsy to thank for that."

The 28-year-old striker was brought to Chippenham by Saunders in January 2001 but he believes that the time was right for a change.

He said: "I would not say that Saunders had lost the dressing room but from the board's point of view the crowds had gone down and this was partly down to him."

Meanwhile, speaking before Wednesday night's 4-0 Wiltshire Premier Shield victory over Supermarine, Lyus hinted that Mings might get an extended run as manager.

He said: "I might decide that four games is not enough and give Adie till the end of the season.

"I am not going to judge him on just four games because it is a torrid time at the moment.

"We have eight injured players and it is very hard for him to do anything. He may get the rest of the season."