RICHARD Fey is relishing the task that lies ahead after he was confirmed as Melksham Town’s new manager – more than a month after Kieran Baggs left the club following a fallout with the board.

Fey, who links up with the infiLED Arena outfit following his departure from Street, will work with Nathan Rudge – who will act as assistant manager – and Luke Ballinger next season.

And he has already outlined his ambitions for the club’s 2019-20 Southern League Division One South campaign, with home recruitment and building on Melksham’s 12th-placed finish from this season underlined as his key objectives.

With a stripped squad, Fey admits more than 10 fresh faces are likely to be added throughout the summer – and he has called on former Town players interested in further stabilising the club’s southern league status to make themselves known.

He said: “Myself and Nathan (Rudge) had an excellent season at Street, but they informed us that they wanted to drop back down into the Western League.

“The opportunity came up at Melksham, so I had a good chat with Darren Perrin (chairman), who I have known since my playing days.

“I think it is one of the biggest clubs in the division. The support, facilities and infrastructure impress me.

“I got offered the job last Thursday, and it’s been a hectic few days since. It’s great to be part of a very big football club.”

Having managed Street to a 3-1 win over Melksham at the start of April – in addition to watching Town’s Good Friday fixture against Winchester City – Fey admits he has plenty to work with, adding he is keen to build a squad of local players committed to the club’s future ambitions.

The former Street boss also spoke of his excitement regarding the club’s fan base – describing it as one of the best in the division.

He added: “The support base at Melksham has always caught my eye.

“They’re always well supported, and that’s another pull for me. Without disrespecting other clubs I have been at, I haven’t always had the biggest number of supporters follow.

“At Melksham, they’re averaging 400 for home games. And we have a great chance now to try and grow that.

“I hope they are patient and see all the hard work that goes on. Quite frankly, we need a double figure number of players to come in over the summer.”