SOUGHT-AFTER defender Nick Ridout looks set to join Frome Town after making his mind up to leave home town club Melksham.

Ridout is expected to sign forms at Badgers Hill next week, despite interest from Premier Division league leaders Corsham Town.

Both clubs have put in seven days' notice for the 18-year-old, but Ridout says his mind is already made up.

He said: "At the moment everything is pointing towards Frome. I know the assistant-manager Derek Graham and I have lots of friends down there.

"Corsham is only five minutes from my house but I see Frome as more of a challenge. Also, the surface there is much better than at the Southbank.

"It's a difficult situation because I know the Corsham manager thinks highly of me. If I turn him down it could be my last chance to go there."

Ridout told The Wiltshire Times he first considered a move away from The Conigre several weeks ago after failing to hold down a first team place.

He has struggled to regain full fitness this season after a lengthy lay-off with ankle ligament damage.

The defender, who can also play in midfield or attack, was substituted after 15 minutes of the league match against Bridgwater last month following a disastrous start to the game.

Since then Ridout has not featured in any of manager Kelvin Highmore's starting line-ups and felt the time was right to move on.

He said: "Deep down I don't really want to leave Melksham but I have dropped down the pecking order.

"There have been one or two things that have happened inside the club as well, and I would say 70 per cent of that is down to me.

"I don't have any problems with the manager or the chairman. I've had four good years here and the club has been great to me, but I feel now is the time to leave."

Melksham boss Kelvin Highmore has resigned himself to losing Ridout after trying desperately to persuade the defender to stay.

Highmore said: "I'm bitterly upset because I put in a lot of hard work with Nick and I feel he's let me down.

"But maybe it's better for him and for the club that the leaves. In the end it's his choice and he's entitled to do what he wants."

Frome assistant Derek Graham said he was hopeful of landing Ridout's signature, but knows the Robins still face stiff competition from Corsham.

He said: "I've known Nick a long time and he's a very good player. Whether he would play at the back, in midfield or up front here I'm not sure.

"He's got some good friends at Frome and I think he would fit in well. I know Corsham can speak to him before us so I just hope he doesn't make a hasty decision to join them."

Corsham chief Colin Bush has warned Ridout he will be missing out on a good opportunity if he rejects the Southbank side.

Bush said: "We can offer him regular football and the chance to play at the top side in the league at present.

"His career will come on leaps and bounds playing alongside Colin Towler, who is one of the best defenders around at this level.

"We've had a lot of scouts down to watch Corsham in the last few weeks so Nick would have the perfect chance to impress them."