Mings sad at Pratt's departure (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Mings sad at Pratt's departure

11:09am Thursday 21st May 2009

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Manager Adie Mings has reassured Chippenham fans the departure of David Pratt will not signal a mass exodus from the club.

The 21-year-old has signed a one-year contract at Conference South side Basingstoke Town and is the first high-profile player to leave Hardenhuish Park this summer.

Pratt was recently named supporters’ player of the year and Mings admits he did not want to see him go.

“It’s a massive blow,” he said. “He’s been my top scorer for the last two seasons but financially we can’t compete with these clubs.

“In my first year we lost James Constable and Dave Gilroy. They moved up the ladder and now Dave has as well. It shows as a club we’re obviously doing something right.”

Midfielder Kye Holly has also attracted offers from divisional rivals but is expected to sign a new deal shortly.

Welsh duo Lewis Powell and Ashley Williams are also on the verge of penning an extension while Mings is hopeful agreements can be reached with Shaun Lamb and Ross Adams.

“There won’t be a mass exodus,” he insisted. “We’re looking to get everything sorted by the end of the week and then bring in three or so new faces who we’ve already spoken to.”

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