MIDFIELDER Bryan Smith is hoping he’s found a settled home at Chippenham Town.

The 30-year-old former Swindon Town man joined the Bluebirds midway through last month and made only his third appearance in a Chippenham shirt in last weekend’s draw with play-off chasing St Albans City.

Smith, who became one of Swindon’s youngest ever players when he made his debut under Jimmy Quinn at the age of 19, was snapped up by Bluebirds boss Mark Collier after failing to click with then-Frome Town manager Brian O’Donnell and was delighted to be given the opportunity to come to Hardenhuish Park.

“I’ve known Mark a very long time. I was club captain at Frome but the new manager came in and my face didn’t fit unfortunately,” said the midfielder.

“I was playing week in, week out – I didn’t expect the change of manager first and foremost, or the fact that he wouldn’t take kindly to me.

“Mark knew my situation and thankfully was happy to take me on. There were a few injuries, so I came straight into the team. I’m getting on a bit now, so that was nice, but I’m happy to be at Chippenham. It’s closer to home and I’m working in Chippenham now too.

“It’s a great bunch of lads. I knew there were good players here because they beat Frome 5-0 whilst I was there.

“There are a few guys from Swindon but I’m ten years older than most of them. I didn’t know any of them but it’s handy for a lift.

“I don’t think the club deserves to be down the bottom of the league where we are, so fingers crossed we’ll start climbing eventually.”

Just weeks after leaving Frome and joining Chippenham, Smith was thrust into the fray against his old club on Boxing Day but was unable to come out on the winning side as the Robins snatched a point with a late equaliser.

He added: “That was a disappointing day – I really wanted to get one over on them but unfortunately, we conceded in the last minute, which happens sometimes.”

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