In February 1994 Tim Penwell, the reporter for The Chippenham News wrote the following article:  ‘Ask any soccer manager who he would have on his list of loyal players and the name of Chippenham Town central defender Ian Monnery would be to the fore. Although injury may well at present keep him out of action Ian is now in his eighteenth Western League campaign. Even more remarkable is that his highly distinguished career has been with only two clubs, Chippenham Town and Melksham Town.
It all began back in February 1976 at Chippenham and 18 years on Ian’s treasure trove includes 750 League and Cup appearances, almost 50 Youth and County Cups, County Shield winner’s medals, and a 1980/81 Western League First Division medal, all with his home club.
Ian almost hit the big time, making an appearance for Swindon Town in a Combination match at West Bromwich Albion.  But this proved only temporary diversions in a career which began when Ken Owens gave him his first team call-up. A century of appearances came up before the end of the 1977/78 season and well over 200 outings before Chippenham clinched the First Division title. It was 374 appearances before Ian sustained his first significant injury and ironically it came against Melksham at Hardenhuish Park on Boxing Day 1983 - The club he was to join early the next season. There under manager Mel Gingell he made his debut against the same side as he had on his debut for the Town, Bideford.’
With 200 appearances for Melksham coming up at Glastonbury in 1989, he even tried to gain a reputation of a penalty expert with a point saving spot kick in that game.
Ian had great moments to savour, one was in December 1985 when he returned to Hardenhuish to help destroy his home club in a County Shield First Round tie. Melksham went on to win the trophy, beating Trowbridge Town 3-0 on Avon Bradfords ground.
After 290 appearances for Melksham he rejoined Mel Gingell. Ian had no regrets at not casting his net wider.  He said “I think there is more to football than money and trophies. You appreciate the amount of work going on behind the scenes when you stay with the club for a long time.”
RIP Ian. You will be missed.

Last edited by doug webb (23/3/2022 7:12 AM)