Seven Commit to Melksham for 2023/24

Pitching In Southern League Division One South club Melksham Town have announced that Sam Hendy, Albie Hopkins, Dave Thompson, Alex Henshall, Ralph Graham, Aaron Witchell and Ben Brooks have all agreed to stay at the Oakfield Stadium for 2023/24.

They will all continue to play vital roles as Mark Collier’s team look forward to a successful coming season.

Hendy was the supporters` player of the year for 2022/23 and team captain.
Collier told his club’s website: "Sam impressed me from day one, he has all the attributes required, his winning mentality and leadership skills make him the perfect captain."

Hopkins was last season’s player and players’ player of the year.

Collier added: "Albie has a real affinity with the club and its supporters. He is, and will continue to be, a real key player for us going forward."

Club `legend` Dave Thompson will be returning for another season.

Thompson's skills on the field have made him a fans` favourite.

Collier said: “‘Mr Consistent is already a legend at the club. His experience and game knowledge will play a vital role as the season unfolds.”

Henshall has agreed terms for the coming season having returned to the club in December 2022 from Wantage Town.

Collier said: “Alex treated us to some memorable moments last season with his pace and ball skills, exciting to watch and a real match winner.”

Graham, 22, is a midfielder who signed for Melksham in August 2021.

He had re-joined then-National League South side Hungerford Town in September 2020, having been on loan with the Crusaders from League Two outfit Swindon Town the previous season when he came up with some crucial goals as the club fought to preserve their Step 2 status.

He also had a loan spell with Melksham’s former league rivals Highworth Town in 2019/20 whilst on Swindon`s books.

Witchell is a 23-year-old, two-footed player, who primarily plays as a defender.

He came through Hellenic League side Calne Town’s ranks and made his first team debut at the age of 16.

He left for a spell with Chippenham Park before returning to Calne.

He joined Melksham in November 2022 after starring for neighbours Bradford Town in the Hellenic League Premier Division.

Attacker Ben Brooks will be returning to Melksham for 2023/24.

The 26-year-old, born in Newport, started his career with Newport County.

He played for Western League side Bitton AFC before joining then-Southern Division One South club Mangotsfield United for the first time in 2015.

He left for Larkhall Athletic and joined Yate Town during 2017/18, where he scored 16 goals.

He returned to Mangotsfield in June 2019 and then switched to Cadbury Heath a year later.

In June 2021, he switched to Cinderford Town and in late October 2022 he moved to then-league rivals Melksham.

Collier added: "On his day, Ben's a real handful, can occupy defenders, scores some vital goals and will be expected to lead the line for the coming season".

Melksham Town Web Site