MARK Collier believes Chippenham Town have sent out a firm statement of intent with the signing of former Redditch United man Will Richards.

The 24-year-old defender previously played for the Bluebirds’ Evo-Stik League Southern Premier Division rivals and was named in last season’s team of the year after helping the Worcestershire side to second in the table but became a free agent this summer.

After featuring in the pre-season clash with Malmesbury Victoria earlier this month, Richards has now signed on at Hardenhuish Park and Collier regards the Welshman, who he expects to be his final signing before the August 6 curtain-raiser against Kings Langley, as an exciting addition.

“We heard a whisper that he might be moving down to the Bristol area later this year and managed to get him along in pre-season,” said the Bluebirds manager.

“He had interest from clubs at this level, a few from the level above and a big one from the league below. He went and trialled at a few sides in pre-season, which he was open and honest about, and we were comfortable with that but he’s decided to join us.

“He’s primarily a defender but can also play as a holding midfielder. Redditch finished second last season and he was picked in the select 11 at the end of the year.

“He’s an athletic lad and a very good player, and I think that it’s a big signing for us.

“We’ve got 20 players in the squad now – we’ve made some good signings and I think that will probably be it for us now, unless, of course, somebody outstanding suddenly becomes available.”

Collier has also signed 18-year-old right back Macauley Dodson, formerly of Forest Green Rovers.

The Bluebirds continued their pre-season preparation with a 4-0 win over Toolstation League side Hallen at Hardenhuish Park on Tuesday, with goals from Alan Griffin, David Pratt, Conor McCormack and Nuno Felix.

On Saturday, with their clash with Calne Town cancelled due to the Lilywhites being unable to raise a side, the Bluebirds were beaten 2-0 in a hastily-arranged friendly against feeder club Chippenham Park.

Darrin Moss and Nathan Phillimore were on target for Toolstation League Park.