MIDFIELDER Michael Pook thinks team spirit has been the main reason behind Chippenham Town’s success this season.

The 31-year-old signed for the Bluebirds in 2014 from Hungerford Town and has since made 63 appearances for the club.

Pook also made more than 100 appearances for Swindon Town during a six-year spell at the County Ground.

However, like many of his team-mates, the former professional acknowledges the commitment required to play non-league football.

“It’s really tough to play non-league football just because it’s not your living anymore,” said the 31-year-old “All of us have got full-time jobs and you have to accommodate the football around those. As a young lad growing up in Swindon, Chippenham were one of the teams you’d hear about.

“For me, being a Swindon guy, I know how big this is for Chippenham. It’s a proud day for everyone at the club.”

With the Bluebirds flying-high in the league, Pook admitted he found it hard to stay grounded as they edged closer to claiming the title in the final few months of the season.

“Generally speaking, we just have a bit of a laugh and a giggle on the way back but the last two months it has just been win after win,” he said.

“So it has been quite hard to contain yourself when you are at the top of the league and you’re winning.

“When you have had a tough away game and you have a three-hour journey home, it is probably the best time to get a few beers on the bus.

“We do have a bit of a laugh off the pitch but you can see we all work hard on it as well so it is a good mix.

“We try and have a good laugh, to be fair, and it is probably the reason we have done well this season.

“The fact we have enjoyed everything we have done. It’s not been too serious off the pitch, and it shows on the pitch that the lads are all together.

“It’s been a good fun season as well as a successful one.”