BLUEBIRDS’ boss Nathan Rudge plans to consult chairman Neil Blackmore as he decides which of his triallists will become permanent additions to his Chippenham Town squad.

Former QPR winger Leon Jeanne, Radstock Town striker Isaac Reid, Hallen midfielder Greg Andrews, Bitton midfielder Mitch Tippins, ex-Chippenham and Frome Town winger Aaron Ledgister, Bridgwater Town defender Steve Fitzpatrick and young ex-Swindon Town full-back Luke Murden have all featured at Hardenhuish Park this summer.

Rudge would be happy to make a clutch of signings but the Chippenham manager, who saw his playing budget cut for the coming season, is wary of financial constraints.

“I think that with the boys that I’ve got at the moment, that's what I'd like to keep,” said Rudge.

“But everything is governed by money and I don't know if the budget will stretch that far – it’s something that I need to speak to the chairman about.”

On Wednesday night, the Bluebirds conceded five goals in the final 20 minutes as they were thrashed by an Exeter City XI at Hardenhuish Park.

Former Chippenham loanees Jake Wannell and Jordan Tillson were involved for the Grecians, as well as first-teamers Jimmy Keohane, Jake Gosling and Elliot Chamberlain.

Exeter went ahead in the 47th minute through winger Gosling’s low strike before Ben John’s superb save kept out Chamberlain.

Rudge’s men did get back on level terms through Reid’s sublime first-time strike in the 65th minute but the visitors restored their lead shortly afterwards, thanks to substitute Matty Jay’s curling effort.

As the Bluebirds’ boss tinkered with his formation and personnel going in to the final stages, Exeter took full advantage, with Tom Nichols, Jay, Keohane, Oliver Watkins and former Bluebird Tillson all finding the net as the contest turned into a rout.

Meanwhile, the Chippenham chief was delighted with his side’s fitness levels despite a 2-1 defeat to a talented Swansea City XI at on Saturday.

The Bluebirds were impressive for large spells while the visitors included former Manchester United trainee Kenji Gorre and winger Alex Bray, from Corsham, in their line-up.

Greg Tindle and Lee Phillips went close for the home side before the Swans took the lead through midfielder Sam Evans’ volley in the 12th minute.

Purnell’s spectacular strike almost levelled matters before Town striker Tom Knighton made it 1-1 midway through the half, slotting home at the near post after good work from Jeanne on the left flank.

But Swansea grabbed a last-gasp winner as full-back Liam Shephard went on a driving run and eventually latched on to Bray’s backheel before deftly scooping the ball over keeper John.

Chippenham were due to travel to Taunton Town for a friendly tonight (7.45pm).

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