CHIPPENHAM Town manager Darren Perrin claims there will be "no better defender" in the Southern League next season than the Bluebirds sixth summer signing, Adam Garner.

The former Oxford United and Forest Green Rovers centre half put pen to paper on Tuesday night after his third training session at Hardenhuish Park. Garner turned down offers from five other clubs, including two from the Conference North and two from the Conference South, to join the Bluebirds.

The 21-year-old will fill the void left by Aussie defender Matthew McEntegart, who has moved in the opposite direction to Forest Green. Garner said: "After speaking to Darren and Adie Mings I felt Chippenham was the right club to further myself as a player.

"I was very impressed with the professionalism and the attitude of the staff and the players that's all you can ask for. "I would be very disappointed if the club did not finish in the top four next season."

Garner began his career at Oxford United where he was named as a substitute for the first team on several occasions. In 2004 he moved to Forest Green where he quickly established himself as a regular member of the squad, making 35 appearances in his first season.

But Garner's progress was hampered when he dislocated his shoulder in February, forcing him to miss the remainder of the 2005/6 season. "I didn't really enjoy myself last season because of the injury. I was out of contract at Forest Green and wanted to find a good club to make a fresh start.

"I'm 90 per cent fit now and I should be ready for the start of the new season," he said.

Darren Perrin could not contain his excitement when he finally got his man at training on Tuesday.

He said: "We are absolutely delighted to have signed Adam. To think he turned down five other clubs to come here speaks volumes about the ambitions of Chippenham Town.

"I'm not worried about his shoulder. I've seen all the physio reports and if it takes a few weeks for him to get better then we are more than happy to wait.

"I spoke to the Forest Green manager Gary Owers and he gave Adam a glowing reference. "He's a very strong, quick centre half who is good in the air and on the floor. There won't be any better in the league next season than this lad."

Perrin revealed he could yet make one more signing before the end of the summer.

He said: "I'm more than happy with the players I've got but I do have somebody else in mind.

"I want to work with a squad of around 18, so there will be at least two or three departures before the new season starts."

Chippenham were due to play Bradford Town last night in their first pre-season friendly.