THERE have been plenty of changes at Purton as they have announced a new management team and chairmen ahead of their return to the Wiltshire Senior League.

Neil Lee and Liam Lewis have taken over at the club as joint managers, following the departure of Justin Miller at the end of last season. In addition, Terry Crumbie is the club’s new chairman.

The club, who were in the Hellenic League Division One West last season, have since been told they will have to drop down into the Wiltshire League after ground grading issues.

Despite the step down, Lee sees no reason why the club will be a less attractive proposition for players. “To be honest, while it is a step down for Purton, it is still a competitive league and an exciting time for the club,” he Lee, who was previously Clanfield 85 reserve team boss.

“Since we have announced it our phones have been non-stop. We have had people we’ve known for years show interest in coming.

“It’s local and Purton is a great set up, so I think there are still going to players who want to come here and play.

“We have been given a free season by the board so we want to consolidate because there is going to be a lot of changes.

“I think it will be good to share the pressure with Liam, we play football the same way and want to create a good team together.”

Lee and Lewis, who will be assisted by Kerry Lees, first met several years ago through football and believe that as a duo they are more than capable of delivering success to the Red House club.

“We both know each other really well, we both want to bring proper football where you play it out from the back,” said Lewis, who is also the manager of Swindon Sunday League side DPR.

“I’ve known Neil for many years, he has seen my teams play and I have seen his teams play so we both know what we want and I think it will work well.

“We both have a big pool of players as well who are interested in coming to play for us so we are excited.

“We both know each other well enough to know we will be strong enough characters to agree and disagree in the right way.

“It’s a new level for me, it will be a new team but I’m confident that we can finish high up the league.”