By Michael Bristow

WESTBURY United officials are promising a shake-up at Meadow Lane following the departure of player-manager Nigel Tripp.

The veteran central defender resigned on Saturday night, blaming a lack of professionalism at the club and among the players for his decision.

Westbury are currently bottom of the Screwfix Direct League Premier Division, with just one win from ten games. They lost 2-1 at home to Welton Rovers on Saturday, when, not for the first time this season, Tripp was forced to make a late reshuffle when one of his players failed to turn up.

"The players are showing a lack of professionalism and many of them seem to want something for nothing,'' said 36-year-old Tripp.

"Many don't want to train and too many would rather leave for other clubs rather than work hard to get the club out of their present problems.

"I've been at the club for five years and in all that time we have always finished in the bottom half of the table.

"If the team now does well, we will know I was the problem; if they continue to struggle, the club will know they have a deeper problems."

In recent weeks it became rare for a full squad to turn up on a match day.

The club committee met on Monday and secretary Michael Taylor said the problems now being addressed.

"The professionalism of the club is being looked at and worked on as I speak," he said.

"We'll start with having more committee members attending on match days. The opposition need better entertainment and obviously we need the whole team to turn up to matches. Hopefully, shortly the club will have a more professional outlook."

Lee Darby, who has been Tripp's co-manager, now takes sole control of team affairs.

Darby says it is a shame the partnership has ended, but understands Tripp's decision.

"I'm sad to see him go, but it was his own decision," said Darby.

"He's given the club a lot, not only as manager for the last five years, but also as a player before that.

"What I do won't really change much. I'll have to make a few more phone calls, but generally I'll carry on as normal," he said.

Darby has no major plans to change things on the pitch either.

"Nothing will change drastically. I'll just do things my way and do my best for the club."

Tripp, who said increased pressure of work was another factor in his decision to quit, will stay as a player.

Darby takes charge for the first time at tomorrow's game at Brislington.

l Screwfix Direct League round-up: Page 109.