CHIPPENHAM Town manager Mark Collier has not ruled out the prospect of adding another new name to the squad before his troops return for pre-season training next week.

Striker Nat Jarvis became the Bluebirds’ fourth new signing of the summer last week, having played for National League rivals Bath City last term.

Karnell Chambers has also committed himself to the club after arriving from Gloucester City late last season, although that has been offset by the departure of Darren Mullings to Salisbury.

Collier is still in talks with other potential arrivals, although is not sure whether or not anything will be concluded before the players report back in for the start of their summer programme on Tuesday.

“Things have moved on in the last week or so and the phone has been ringing pretty much non-stop with players asking what the situation at Chippenham is,” said Collier.

“That is always a good sign when players are ringing you and it shows how far we have come in the last year or so.

“There could possibly be a little bit more movement. We are still talking to a couple of players, but if anything is going to come from that before next week, I am not sure.

“I am mindful that I have always said I want quality over quantity and we will probably end up with a squad of 18 or 19 – I think that will be about right.

“We might need a couple more, but if we have to wait until the fall-out from pre-season to see if a quality player becomes available, then we are happy to do that.”

Jarvis, who has been capped by Antigua and Barbuda, scored five goals in 32 games for Bath last season and Collier is pleased to add extra competition to his forward line.

“Nat is proven at this level and he has always scored goals wherever he has been,” said Collier.

“By his own admission, he probably didn’t hit the heights he wanted to at Bath last season and he comes to us on non-contract terms. We dangled that carrot for him and he has taken it on.

“We have got competition for places. Players go in and out of form. When they are in a hot streak, you want them in the team, and when they are not, they might need to sit out for a bit, and we will have someone else ready to come in.”

Mullings, meanwhile, had initially agreed terms to remain at Hardenhuish Park for next season but Collier understands why the midfielder has now opted to move on.

“We were comfortable with the offer we made him but I think Salisbury have since spoken to him and offered him a very good deal,” said Collier.

“He did well for us last season and we wish him all the best.”

Seven weeks will have passed since Chippenham’s final game of last season by the time the squad come back together on Tuesday and Collier is excited to get going again.

He said: “It will be good to get back in. Training will be constructive and not destructive and everything will be geared up to getting in the best possible place for the first league game on August 4.”