SWINDON Supermarine boss Dave Webb is resigned to losing Rob Dean with the midfielder set to move to Chippenham in the next 48 hours.

Dean was subject to a seven-day approach by the Bluebirds last week and has agreed to switch to Hardenhuish Park following talks with newly-installed boss Mark Collier.

It is expected that the 23-year-old will put pen to paper and join up with the squad for Saturday’s Southern Premier trip to Biggleswade.

Webb said: “I spoke to Rob at length and I thought that we’d managed to convince him to stay, but he’s made the decision to go.

“He’s an ambitious lad and wants to play the best level he can. He was playing at that level with this team but unfortunately we got relegated and he’s keen to go back there and play.

“There’s no hard feelings on my side. He’s been good for me since I’ve been here as manager. I wish him every success at Chippenham.”

For his own part, Webb can speak to Chippenham midfielder James Guthrie regarding a move today following seven-day approaches.

A switch for Guthrie - close friends with Dean - seems unlikely, with the player telling the Gazette & Herald this week that he wanted to stay at Hardenhuish Park.

Collier has already brought in midfielder Corey King from Banbury, while Chippenham Park midfielder Tyron Leigh and Calne midfielder Phil Baker have also joined.

Collier has also made a seven-day approach for Cirencester defender Jon Beeden and has enquired about Wootton Bassett midfielder Jordan Roberts.

Defender Ross Adams has returned to Basingstoke following his loan spell while midfielder Darren Jefferies has departed for Paulton.

MORE CHIPPENHAM TOWN NEWS IN THIS WEEK'S GAZETTE & HERALD AND NEWS & REACTION FROM SATURDAY'S TRIP TO BIGGLESWADE TOWN AT GAZETTEANDHERALD.CO.UK/SPORT ON SATURDAY