JAMES Bittner is stalling over his contract offer from Chippenham Town manager Tommy Saunders as he continues his quest for Nationwide League football.

Saunders wants to keep the former Fulham goalkeeper at Hardenhuish Park for at least another season, but Bittner is aiming to end his long wait for a professional contract this summer.

The 21 year-old, from West Lavington, has endured a largely frustrating time since being released by former Craven Cottage chief Jean Tigana two years ago, with a brief spell at Bournemouth last year the closest he has come to tasting league action.

He signed for Chippenham following an injury to Paul Thompson in September and was hailed as the best goalkeeper in the Dr Martens Premier Division by his manager as the Bluebirds soared to second in the table at the turn of the year.

Although Bittner has not yet rejected Saunders' offer of a new deal, he is keen to keep his options open while professional clubs across the country begin their recruitment drive ahead of the 2003/04 campaign.

Said Bittner: "Getting a league club is a priority for me, but everything is still up in the air at the moment. I've hopefully got a few trial games to play in and I'll get some feedback from them.

"Trying to find a league club has been an absolute nightmare over the past year. But I've just turned 21 and maybe being a bit older will help me a bit.

"I'd rather not sign for Chippenham right now because I don't want to tie myself down at this early stage."

Bittner has been training with Second Division play-off hopefuls Queens Park Rangers since the autumn, but finds himself behind experienced goalkeepers Chris Day and Nick Culkin in the queue at Loftus Road.

His hopes of earning a contract there may depend on how successful Rangers are in the play-offs but, whether he wins a contract with Ian Holloway's men or not, Bittner believes the experience has helped him.

He said: "In an ideal world, I'd love to sign for Queens Park Rangers. They have a great team, great coaches, and a great bunch of lads. If it isn't to be, then it isn't to be. But I've enjoyed every minute of it and it has given me some good contacts.

"Ian Holloway has already offered his point of view to other clubs about me and has put in a good word. The goalkeeping coach, Tony Roberts, has also been a big help."

Bittner turned out in his first trial game of the summer at the County Ground, Swindon, yesterday afternoon as a host of English players available on a free transfer took on their French counterparts.

The match was arranged by Swindon boss Andy King and striker Eric Sabin's agent, but Bittner was given little chance to impress. He said: "I played for half an hour but I touched the ball twice and they were both kicks.

"There were a few scouts there, from Bristol City, Gillingham and a few others, but I didn't have much to do and I don't think anything will come of it."

Should Bittner's search for a professional contract prove a fruitless one, he stressed he would be happy to sign another contract with Chippenham.

As he is under 24 years old, the Bluebirds could command a transfer fee if he elected to join another non-league club. But, said Bittner, it was either a professional club or Chippenham.

"There is a good atmosphere at the club," he said. "We did well at a good level last season and next year I think the team can do even better."