CHIPPENHAM Town chief Adie Mings said the bulk of his Bluebirds squad have signalled their intent to remain at Hardenhuish Park next season.

The manager has received the thumbs up from Ashley Williams, Lewis Powell, Scott Lye, Steve Casey, Nathan Rudge, James Guthrie, Chris Snoddy, Sam Allison, Greg Tindle, Iain Harvey and Shaun Lamb and is delighted at the prospect of keeping his squad together.

“There’s a strong nucleus of players there – they’re happy that me and the management team are staying and they want to help right the wrongs of last season,” said the Bluebirds boss.

“A few of them have got a few details left to sort out with the club but they’ve all said that they want to stay, which is great news.

“I’m also hoping that Alan Griffin will want to stay with us too.”

However, midfielder James Martin, named the club’s young Player of the year at Chippenham’s presentation evening last Saturday, is leaving.

The 22-year-old, who hails from Sussex, has finished studying at the University of Bath and is emigrating to the USA to undertake a teaching qualification.

The Bluebirds will also be without utility man Luke Gullick until November after he earned a six-month contract with professional club San Juan Jabloteh in Trinidad.

Gullick’s mother was born on the Carribean island and the 24-year-old spent four weeks on trial with the Port of Spain side in September 2009.

A home clash with Mings’ former club Gloucester City on July 23 headlines Town’s pre-season friendlies.

The match with the Conference North outfit will be the only friendly at Hardenhuish Park due to improvements to the playing surface over the summer.

Chippenham Town presentation evening awards

Players’ player of the year and most improved player: Alan Griffin; Management’s player of the year: Steve Casey; Will Arnold Trophy (Supporters Club Player of the year): Ashley Williams; Clubman of the year: Garraway family (Clive, Leila, Nic, Scott); Endeavour award: Debbie Bolter; President’s award: Hazel Ralph.

Pre-season friendlies

July 16: Calne Town (a); July 19: Highworth Town (a); July 23: Gloucester City (h); July 26: Melksham Town (a); August 6: Yate Town (a).