GOALKEEPER Ben John remains firmly in the plans of new boss Mark Collier, despite the arrival of on-loan Matt Bulman.

Collier’s first major recruitment move saw him bring in Forest Green Rovers stopper Bulman on a month-long deal, dropping John to the bench for Saturday’s win over Cambridge and Tuesday’s penalty shootout defeat at Merthyr.

The Bluebirds boss said: “We’re going to have to make some uncomfortable decisions if this club is to progress and I’m prepared to do that.

“As I said to (John), no disrespect to him but he’s let in 17 goals in a short space of time and that’s going to affect anybody’s confidence.

“So we’ve just taken him out of the firing line for a little bit and we’ll bring him back when we need to.

“It seems a bit harsh but Tom (Jones, assistant) chatted to Ben and he understands that Matt is here for a month.

“My priority is Chippenham Town Football Club – not any individuals.’’

With teenagers Corey King and Tyron Leigh playing at Merthyr midweek, Phil Baker, from Calne Town, also on board and a seven-day approach in for Cirencester Town defender Jon Beeden, as well as Ross Adams (back to parent club Basingstoke) and Darren Jefferies (Paulton Rovers) heading out, it has been a busy start for Collier.

He said: “There’s seven days in for four or five players currently, so we’ll just see how that goes.”

Collier made five changes from Saturday’s win and saw his side take the lead as King was felled by keeper Craig Morris just after the half-hour, Tom Knighton putting away the spot-kick.

Marcus Griffiths levelled, from the spot, just before half time and Jamie Rewbury appeared to have won it for the Welshmen until Stuart Tovey levelled from 35 yards.

Chippenham briefly led the shootout, but Merthyr progressed 6-5 after Tovey missed from the spot.

Chippenham: Matt Bulman, Stuart Tovey, Tyron Leigh, Jack Allward, Shane Blackmore, Joe Tumelty, Joe McClennan, Harley Purnell, Corey King, James Guthrie, Tom Knighton.

Subs: Phil Baker, Ben John, Alan Griffin.

Attendance: 141.

THERE IS NO BLUEBIRDS LIVE FROM TOWN'S TRIP TO BIGGLESWADE TOWN TODAY, BUT IT DOES RETURN FOR TUESDAY'S HOME CLASH WITH TRURO CITY. FOR MORE CHIPPENHAM TOWN NEWS, REACTION & PICTURES SEE THURSDAY'S GAZETTE & HERALD AND FRIDAY'S WILTSHIRE TIMES