MARK Collier has confirmed he will remain in charge of Chippenham Town despite his assistant, Tom Jones, leaving the National League South club by mutual consent this week.

Jones has been an integral part of Chippenham’s recent success after arriving at Hardenhuish Park in 2013 and helped them win the Southern League Premier title last season.

Bluebirds boss Collier was made aware of the changes to the coaching set-up, which were decided by chairman Neil Blackmore, in a meeting on Tuesday night.

Collier says he will remain at the helm at Town and has been placed in charge of finding a replacement for Jones.

And the Bluebirds boss has now called upon current coaches Gary Horgan and Jason Matthews to plug the gap in the meantime ahead of Saturday’s trip to Poole Town.

“I was informed by the chairman that he decided to make some changes, and that Tom was to be relieved of his duties,” he said.

“He felt a change was needed. He has had his ear to the ground and thought a change might be able to benefit us.

“He is the man who pays the bills and the wages, so he has made a decision and you have to respect that.

“I spoke to a couple of the senior players and they are fully aware of what the bigger picture is and that is to climb up the league table.

“I’m disappointed for Tom because he has done a great job and has been an integral part to Chippenham Town.

“It is a difficult decision but I am employed to be manager of the team and that hasn’t changed.

“If the change benefits us, then that is all well and good, but only time will tell.”

Collier also revealed he has explored the option of bringing Scott Twine and Jake Andrews back to Hardenhuish Park on loan from their parent clubs, Swindon Town and Bristol City respectively.

The club have already signed Frome Town’s Jake Jackson, who made his debut in the 2-1 defeat to Hungerford Town on New Year’s Day.

“There is nothing over the line at the moment, but we hope that something could happen this week,” he added.

“Obviously the new year break didn’t do us any favours because players had to be registered on the Friday before the weekend, so that held things up.

“Most clubs keep their players for the break, so we will be in contact with Swindon Town, Bristol City and Exeter City about players.

“Hopefully something will come of that over the next 10 days. Jake Jackson came in from Frome on Monday and had a very good debut.

“He did very well and was unfortunate not to score, so that is some brightness at the end of the tunnel, and long may that continue.”