Friends reunited at Calne (From This Is Wiltshire)

Friends reunited at Calne

10:53am Monday 12th December 2005 in

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CALNE TOWN: FOR Danny Jones, Kelvin Highmore's shock resignation as Calne Town boss this summer took more getting used to than it did for his team-mates.

Having played under Highmore at youth level, then at Biddestone and latterly at Calne, it seemed as though Jones and Highmore was a much a double act as Cannon and Ball.

Highmore obviously felt the same way as he tried to take him to Melksham Town with him in the summer but Jones opted to remain at Bremhill View after helping them win promotion to the Toolstation League Premier Division.

Tuesday night sees the duo lock horns for the first time since then as Melksham visit Bremhill View and, having missed the 1-1 draw earlier in the season, Jones is chomping at the bit to come up against his former mentor.

Jones said: "I was very surprised when he left. I had heard rumours that he was not very happy but I thought it would all blow over and he would stay.

"When he announced he was leaving things were up in the air for a while but once I knew Robbie Lardner and Simon Hillier were taking over I decided I wanted to stay.

"Kelvin had been my manager for as long as I can remember and it will be different playing against him this time. I was gutted to miss the first game through injury and so perhaps am looking forward to the next one even more."

October's 1-1 draw was a surprisingly tame affair for a Wiltshire derby, but if Jones has anything to do with it there will be more tackles flying around on Tuesday.

Jones said: "It was a weird game the last time. I think the draw was a fair result but neither really looked as though they were up for it.

"I expected it to be more fiery and I think there could be a few more tackles being made this time round. We have been getting some good results recently and hopefully we can carry that form on."

Highmore's reasons for his departure from Calne have never been fully revealed, although it is believed a fall out with chairman Steve Walker over finances had a part to play.

Jones was not willing to get dragged into discussing the rights and wrongs of Highmore's departure but has pleaded with the home faithful at Calne to give their former boss a good reception.

He said: "He helped us earn promotion and I don't think anyone could argue against what he did for us in his time here.

"I don't know exactly what went on at the club and to be honest I don't really want to know. But I am sure he will get a good reception because of what he achieved.

"I just hope the Calne Barmy Army' turn out in good numbers on Tuesday. They came to the game at Melksham but have not been around for a while."

Defender Darren Smart is still struggling for fitness with a thigh injury while Ryan Pratley, Simon Gardner and Jake Jeffries could all be considered for Tuesday's derby with Melksham.

Calne travel to Hallen tomorrow with boss Robbie Lardner expecting a tough and tight encounter.

He said: "They are a good footballing side and like us they don't concede too many goals, but perhaps don't score as many as they would like. Melksham is obviously a game we are all looking forward to, but we will focus on tomorrow first."

Melksham set for Lee

LEE Burns will be facing his former Melksham team-mates tomorrow as he turns out for Brislington at the Conigre.

Last season's player-boss has already spent a spell at Odd Down this season but seems far away from hanging up his boots despite being well into his 40s.

Melksham boss Kelvin Highmore said: "They are a big strong side and we know it will be difficult. We all know about Burnsy and we will be ready.

"I will treat Tuesday's trip to Calne as just another game and will stay low profile like I did in the previous game."