CHIPPENHAM Town manager Mark Collier has confirmed that fan favourite Charlie Griffin won’t be returning to the club next season.

The 35-year-old striker rejoined the Bluebirds from National League North Gloucester City for his third spell at Hardenhuish Park in February but is moving on after opting not to remain with Collier’s men next term.

“Charlie was offered a deal and he was uncomfortable with it, so he won’t be coming back next season – I don’t know where he’ll be going,” said the Chippenham chief.

“He came in last season and scored six goals in 10 games, which is a decent return.

But he’s decided not to accept our deal and we wish him well.”

Griffin began his senior career at Hardenhuish Park before stepping up to the professional game with a £10,000 move to Swindon Town in 1999 and he also featured in the Football League for Wycombe Wanderers and Stevenage, helping them win promotion to League Two for the first time in their history in 2010.

Whilst Griffin departs, Collier has made his first addition of the summer after agreeing to sign teenage full-back Scott Bevan.

The 18-year-old, former Swindon Town and Bristol City youth player joined Chippenham’s near neighbours Swindon Supermarine on a dual-registration deal from Forest Green Rovers last season and made 23 appearances for the Evo-Stik Southern League Division One South & West outfit.

Collier confirmed that he and assistant Tom Jones had sounded out Bevan about joining the Bluebirds last season.

“I coached him when he was an under 9 at Swindon Town and myself and Tom spoke to Dave Hockaday (former Forest Green manager and Supermarine advisor) about him last season," said the Chippenham manager.

"He is a great addition to our squad, he is a good age and he can play in several positions."