NEIL Kirkpatrick has resigned as manager of Trowbridge Town after four years in charge.

His last game will be Saturday's final game of the Hellenic League Division One West season at home to Cirencester United.

Kirkpatrick told his players he was leaving after last night's 1-0 home win over Wootton Bassett and confirmed his decision with a statement on the club website this morning (Tuesday).

His decision comes after plans were announced to merge the Trowbridge Town and Trowbridge Town Youth clubs for a second time. The two clubs split earlier this season following a row over players' availability. Kirkpatrick said: "It is with much regret that I have decided to stand down as manager of Trowbridge Town FC, at the end of the current season.

"I have enjoyed four very happy and successful seasons at the helm of a fantastic club that must now move on. And move on it will onto hopefully bigger and better things, a new ground, and the merger (again) with Trowbridge Town Youth.

"I am not so naive to see that the merger will eventually benefit both clubs, but unfortunately, with a lack of optimism and trust, I feel a need to move on myself. "I sincerely wish Trowbridge Town FC every success in the future, and would like to express huge thanks to my right hand man Ian Diamond, to the hard working supportive committee, to the fantastic supporters, and lastly to the brilliant players who have all made my time here easier and so enjoyable."

Kirkpatrick's assistant Ian Diamond is also standing down.

  • Full story and reaction in Friday's Wiltshire Times.