CHIPPENHAM TOWN: Opening win delights Rudge (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

CHIPPENHAM TOWN: Opening win delights Rudge

12:21pm Thursday 26th July 2012 in News By Dan Barnes

NATHAN Rudge declared his satisfaction with Chippenham Town’s preparations for the new season so far and was delighted with his team’s showing in their first pre-season friendly.

The Bluebirds thrashed Western League neighbours Calne Town 6-0 on Saturday to retain the annual Fred Rutty Cup.

All of Rudge’s summer signings made their debuts in the match.

Lee Phillips hit a brace, with Luke Ballinger, James Guthrie and Josh Egan also on target.

Rudge got his side’s sixth, in what was in his first game as player-manager, and said: “It was enjoyable. We’ve worked hard since we’ve come in on July 3 but you can only do so much running – you need to get to the bread and butter.

“Every game, pre-season wise, you’ve got to take something out of it and everyone watching could see that there were a lot of positives.

“The biggest aim for us in pre-season is to get positives out of it, which is what we’re doing.

“First and foremost, everything’s geared towards August 18 and results don’t make any difference.

“We could win every pre-season game and get seven injuries but I’d rather lose every pre-season game and get no injuries.”

Young centre-half Tom Seery played the full 90 minutes at Bremhill View and Rudge confirmed that the former Weston-super-Mare man has now agreed to sign with the Hardenhuish Park club.

“I’ve spoken to Tom at length and he wants to be on board,” said the Bluebirds boss.

“He’s another young lad who’s come in and I’ve had a lot of good reports about him.

“Tom was probably one of the best players on the pitch and showed what a good player he is.

“I think he can play in the centre of midfield too – he’s got good feet and can adapt too.

“It’s a nice time for us now because all of the behind the scenes work has been done.

“Now we can get on to the training pitch and do what we do best, which is make a challenge this year.”

Town are holding a meeting with the Supporters’ club and Blues Bar Committee on Sunday (July 29) to discuss setting up a new club for supporters to steamline off-field activities into one body.

All supporters are welcome to attend (11am).

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