CHIPPENHAM Town chief Nathan Rudge reckons the signing of teenage full-back Tyrone Mings will give the Bluebirds competition for places across the pitch.

The 19-year-old, the son of former manager Adie who left his post as Town’s director of football last week, joined from Yate Town and will compete with Shaun Lamb for the left-back spot.

Rudge says he now possesses a squad with options in all positions and said: “Ty’s a local lad who’s grown up around the club and he’ll add to our crop of young talent.

“Obviously, Adie never really wanted to bring his son into the team but I think he may have gone a bit stale at Yate and it’s the right time to bring him in.

“Shaun was our only recognised left-back and Tye will push him now for that position.

“Apart from the goalkeeper (Conor Thompson), I’ve now got two players for every position and that competition for places is what you want in your squad.

“We’ve got some players who’ve had to go out on loan to get some minutes when they’ve not been in the squad, like Tom Seery and Mani Randhawa.

“Some have missed pre-season but they’re all good enough to be involved and they’ll challenge to be in the squad when they’re fully up to speed.”

On Monday, the Bluebirds were handed a trip to Bishop’s Cleeve in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup.

Despite being drawn against lower league opposition for the second successive round, Rudge expects a difficult test in Gloucestershire on September 22 and added: “I know their manager Alex Sykes from playing against them and they’re a good side.

“Ideally, you always want a home draw in the FA Cup but that hasn’t happened.

“I know that there could have been a tougher draw, like a team from the Conference, but we respect all our opponents and I definitely think that they’ll give us a tough game.”

Before that, Chippenham have two league fixtures to navigate, with a trip to Banbury United this weekend before Bashley visit Hardenhuish Park next Tuesday evening.

Rudge is hopeful of having a full-fit squad to choose from for Saturday’s trip to the Puritans.

THE Bluebirds’ Supporters Club will host a race night and barbecue following the FA Trophy match against Yate or Swindon Supermarine on September 29 (7pm).