CHIPPENHAM Town manager Mark Collier admits he was disappointed to see Ellis Dunton turn out in red and black of Cirencester Town before receiving an official approach from the defender’s former club.

The 21-year-old full-back joined the Bluebirds from Cirencester in the summer, but informed Collier of his intention to return to last season’s Division One South & West champions last week.

However, before the Chippenham chief was able to speak to Dunton about heading for the Hardenhuish Park exit door, the defender took to the field for Cirencester’s Development side in their Hellenic League clash with New College last weekend.

“Ellis called me after the Weymouth game (on September 9) and left a message saying that he wanted to go back to Cirencester. I was waiting for his call back but didn’t hear anything and then found out that he’d played on Saturday,” said Collier.

“I spoke to Brian Hughes (Cirencester manager) this week when he called me to put the seven days in and I’ve got no problem with the club or Brian at all.

“I don’t know how he’s managed to play on Saturday. The player has made this move happen and I’m sure that he’ll organise things with Cirencester now.”

Another player on his way out of Chippenham is midfielder Zac Evans, who has made just a handful of appearance for the Bluebirds and is the subject of an approach from Mangotsfield United.

But Collier did manage to bring in 28-year-old former Swindon Town midfielder Michael Pook from Hungerford Town in the lead-up to last weekend’s 1-0 FA Cup first qualifying round victory at Sholing.

“By his own admission, Zac found this league a bit more physical than he thought he would,” said the Bluebirds’ boss.

“He was left out a few times and we’ve had seven days in for him from Mangotsfield – I’d expect him to join them.

“We’re well stocked in that area now, especially with the signing of Pook.

“We were aware that he wasn’t getting that many games at Hungerford and when you have the chance to sign someone of that experience, you have to take it.”

On-loan Swindon youngster Matt Jones, son of Chippenham assistant manager Tom, and striker Darren Edwards return to the squad for Saturday’s trip to high-flying Dunstable Town after being cup-tied for last weekend’s win at Sholing.

Toby Osman returns from suspension while Tyron Leigh is back available but Iain Harvey and Ben McCready are tied up with personal commitments.

Lee Phillips requires keyhole surgery to repair his knee injury while Alan Griffin, who is also suffering with a knee problem and Matt Coupe, who has been diagnosed with a bone fracture in his leg, are both facing up to lengthy spells on the sidelines.

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