CHIPPENHAM Town tonight confirmed the signing of former Swindon Town winger Alan O'Brien on the eve of their National League South campaign.

Mark Collier's side, who host Havant & Waterlooville in their league opener on Saturday, have snapped up the 32 year old former Newcastle United youth player to bolster their ranks.

O'Brien departed Chippenham's National League South rivals Hungerford Town last month after failing to agree new contract terms with the Crusaders.

He made five appearances for Newcastle between 2004 and 2007 before going to play nearly 50 games for Scottish side Hibernian.

He joined Swindon Town in 2009 and went on to make 30 appearances without scoring before further spells at Yeovil and Gateshead.

The Bluebirds also announced this evening that goalkeeper Darren Chitty and midfielder Matt Jones had left the club by mutual agreement, while defender Mark Cooper and midfielder Chris Allen have both been made available for loan.