CHIPPENHAM Town boss Mark Collier can start looking up the table for the remainder of the season after declaring that his side are safe from the drop.

Despite a late 2-1 defeat at the hands of Corby Town, Chippenham sit 19 points clear of fourth from bottom Arlesey Town with 11 games to go and the Hardenhuish Park boss is confident that relegation is not something that the club should be concerned about.

With a long injury list starting to diminish, Collier is hopeful that his side can now start pushing their way up the league beginning with the visit of Slough Town.

“Our season regarding relegation is safe so hopefully we can play with a bit of freedom,” he said.

“We should be in a confident mood going to Slough, we have played particularly well of late.

“Everybody is coming back now. We were short James Guthrie and Greg Tindle but Tindle comes back, so that adds to quite a strong defensive unit.

“It is vital having a bigger squad to pick from because you have more options, players don’t have to play out of position and players can be comfortable where they are playing.

“It will be an unusual situation for us to pick from a full squad but that is what everyone craves for come next weekend.”

Striker Jack Odam was handed his first start on Saturday for the Bluebirds since joining from Dorchester Town at the end of January.

Despite Odam not getting his name on the scoresheet, Collier is excited about the young forward who has already struck up a good partnership with Ashan Holgate.

“New signing Jack Odam looked a threat up front and we should go into that game with confidence and we’re the home team,” added Collier.

“Jack looked impressive and looks like he is forming a little relationship up top with Ashan.

“He is very sharp and a good mover. He is only young and he is a good one for the future and I think he will score goals for us.

“He has had a nice little introduction, a couple of little substitute appearances, he has had a start and now the ball is in his court to continue with that.”