A DESIRE not to uproot his life in Wiltshire was the driving factor behind Andy Sandell turning his back on League Two and becoming Chippenham Town’s new frontman.

The former Newport County captain, who grew up in Calne and lives in Wootton Bassett, was released by the Welsh club in May and despite playing the majority of his career at full-back or on the wing, Sandell will be operating up top in the Evo-Stik League Southern Premier Division after signing for Mark Collier’s Bluebirds.

Sandell helps run equestrian business Meacham Stud with his partner Claire Chambers, a professional show jumper, and the organisation’s upcoming expansion was yet another reason why the former Wycombe Wanders, Bristol Rovers and Salisbury City man was keen to stay local.

The 31-year-old plays cricket locally for Goatacre and also boxes for Chippenham Spartans alongside Bluebirds goalkeeper Kent Kauppinen, who played a part in putting Sandell in contact with manager Collier.

“You have to quit professional football at some point and there comes a time when you have to think about your career away from the game,” said Sandell, who also had a brief spell with Chippenham in 2011.

“I had an offer to stay in League Two but it was a long way to commute and I wanted to stay local. We’re having six new stables built for the equestrian business and you can’t just find a new yard and uproot 20 horses.

“I know the club well because I started playing football there for FC Chippenham and even last season, when I was injured or not playing for Newport on a Saturday, I’d go down there with my dad and my Grampy. Alan Griffin, who used to play there, is also my best mate.

“Kent Kauppinen asked me what I was doing this season and eventually put me in touch with the club. I’ve only really played as a striker for 12 or 13 games when I was at Salisbury but I think I scored seven goals, so I know I can do it.

“It’s what every kid wants to do, isn’t it? I just want to enjoy my football.”

Meanwhile, Chippenham have suffered a setback after midfielder Jordan Roberts was ruled out with a knee ligament tear.

Collier said: “Jordan had some trouble with his knee for quite a bit of last season and he still wasn’t feeling quite right when he came back in.

“He’s had a scan and there is a little tear in that part of the knee. We just hope that it is able to repair itself in its own time as if it needs surgery, then he will be out for a little bit longer.

“I think it’s pretty likely he will miss the start of the season and if that is the case, that is an area we will have to look to strengthen.”

The Bluebirds have been drawn at home to local rivals Frome Town or Larkhall Athletic in the first round of the Red Insure Cup on October 12.