DR MARTENS PREMIER LEAGUE: FORMER Bath City stalwart Colin Towler has become Chippenham Town's first signing as their prepare for their first season at Dr Martens Premier Division level.

The 31-year-old defender helped his former club secure Premier Division survival on the final day of last season, but was subsequently informed by Romans' chief Alan Pridham his services at Twerton Park were no longer required.

Chippenham and Weston were among a host of clubs chasing the experienced Towler's signature, and the centre back opted for Hardenhuish Park after talks with Bluebirds boss Tommy Saunders.

Towler will link up with former City team mate Mark Harrington at Chippenham and is looking forward to the task ahead.

Said Towler: "It will be a good challenge. They have gone up into the Premier and hopefully I can add that bit of experience having played there. I had four or five offers after being released by Bath, but going to Chippenham was the best option."

Towler played more than 250 games for Bath after arriving at Twerton Park via Yate Town and Mangotsfield.

He said: "It was a bit disappointing that Bath released me, but you have to get on with the next challenge.

"It will certainly be interesting playing against them next season and I'm looking forward to it. Those two games will be the biggest of the season for both Chippenham and Bath."

Long-serving winger Steve Brown and Simon Charity have also committed themselves to Chippenham for next season, while Towler's former team mate Lee Vickerman has opted for a move to Clevedon Town.

Vickerman was forced to spend the final two months of last season on the sidelines following the signing of ex-Swindon Town man Gareth Davies and manager Tommy Saunders believes a number of others will follow the right back to the Hand Stadium.

Said Saunders: "He's done all right for us and good luck to him. I think Lee will be the first of a few that go to Clevedon in the summer."

James Bent is the only other player to have left the club, with Matt Rawlins and Gareth Davies still mulling over new offers and Nathan Rudge awaiting the outcome of talks with Tiverton before signing for the Devon side.

Shane Andrews was the night's big winner as Chippenham held their annual presentation evening at The Olympiad on Friday evening.

The versatile defender collected the supporters' and player's player of the year awards, with top scorer Matt Rawlins picking up the manager's player of the year trophy.

Saunders felt both winners deserved had their prizes.

He said: "Matt Rawlins played in every game, 75 per cent of them out of position, and scored 23 goals for us, while Shane was just brilliant.

"He played with injuries and was awesome all season. He was close to winning mine, but there was no way I would let one player win all three.

"In the players' vote, 12 of the 16 voted for Shane and only one didn't put him in the top three. That just shows you what they all think of him."