CHIPPENHAM Town manager Mark Collier is more than happy with his pre-season preparation as he looks ahead to the new Evo-Stik League Southern Premier Division season.

Collier’s squad has resumed summer training following their narrow failure to reach the play-offs last season, with the Bluebirds aiming to build up to another challenge for honours.

Collier said: “We are doing okay, we have had good numbers at training and we want to get everyone back as soon as possible.

“The new signings are there and we haven’t had a massive turnaround in players because we were happy with last season - we are going for quality over quantity.”

Chippenham had previously unveiled the signings of Sol Wheatley and Nuno Felix, however Wheatley has now decided to remain with Paulton Rovers.

Collier remained upbeat and has suggested it was competition for places which may have convinced the player to stay put.

He said: “Sol isn’t coming, he’s decided to stay. I think he was out for a lot of time last season and has to be playing.

“He probably looked at our attacking options and thought that would affect his game time.

“Nuno Felix is coming, he hasn’t signed his form but he will sign. He was excellent against us when we played him.

“He’s good with the ball at his feet, he’s a good footballer and a great athlete so he will bring competition.”

Chippenham also recently retained the services of Matt Smith and Andy Sandell and made the addition of striker David Pratt.

“To sign someone like David Pratt is a huge signing, he has experience at the level above and has been Bath’s top scorer too,’’ added Collier. “It’s exciting times for me as a manager and for the fans.”

Collier believes he has a stronger group than previous seasons as he looks ahead to the season opener on August 5.

“We have a stronger group but so do other teams in the league, it's very competitive and there are eight or nine teams that think they can do well this season and we are one of them.

“We have lots of training to do on defence, shape all of that, but everything we are doing is geared towards the big game on August 5.”

Winger Luke Ballinger is set to sign for Cirencester Town after the England Futsal player was deemed surplus to requirements at Hardenhuish Park.