KIERAN Baggs might have been thrown in at the deep end for his first game in charge of Trowbridge Town, but the Bees’ new player-manager is up for the challenge of writing the next chapter at Woodmarsh.

The former Bradford Town and Larkhall Athletic man, who began the season playing for Southern League Paulton Rovers, was brought in following the resignation of previous boss Mike Alford late last month and barely had time to find his feet before he was tasked with leading Town into their first derby clash of the season with Trowbridge Wanderers last weekend.

Baggs’ men were beaten 2-1 by their near-neighbours in the first round of the Senior KO Cup, with two goals from Wanderers’ Jamie Mines sandwiching a Nat Auckland effort, but Baggs, who turns 26 today, says he wasn’t too dejected to see his side lose the local bragging rights due to his new-look team’s lack of preparation.

Adam Sheppard will continue in his role as assistant manager, while Baggs’ father Michael and Emil Karcelski have come in as coaches.

“I always thought that management was something that I’d like to go into but I didn’t think it would happen for a few years,’’ said Baggs, who also played youth football for Town.

“When the chairman (Ralph McCaldon) approached me to ask if I’d go on the shortlist of candidates for the job, it was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down.”

“Trowbridge is a bit of a sleeping giant and the chairman has said I’ve got a blank canvas to try and get the club to where we want it to be.

“I’ve already brought in eight or nine players and there was only one who survived from the last game against Wanderers, which is Ian Groves, the club captain. I’ll still be playing and we’ve got a few quality Western League players in, like Liam Milburn and Dan Fowler.

In-form Melksham Town Reserves notched up a 3-0 Premier Division win at Shrewton United last weekend whilst Corsham Town Reserves beat Calne 2-1 last Friday night.

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