OMAR Simpson is hoping that he’s on the fast track to a successful return to football with Chippenham Town.

The 24-year-old striker, who previously played for Yeovil Town, is back using his two feet to strike a ball after a sensational breakthrough into the world of sprinting.

After being spotted by Bath-based coach Dan Cossins in 2012, Simpson rose through the 400m ranks, earning his Great Britain vest and even competing in this summer’s British Championships.

But the Bluebirds new boy says he ‘accidentally’ fell into life on the track and his true passion remains on the pitch.

“It was a bit of an accident really. One of my friends did it and I was messing about giving him a race and ended up winning,” said Simpson.

“I was asked to go train with him and it just snowballed from there really. I played football previously for Yeovil Town – I was there for six years until two years ago.

“Since then, I’ve been sprinting and running for Great Britain in the 400m. I’ve been improving my endurance and my top speed, which is hopefully going to be the difference in my game now.

“I was at Yeovil and was a professional for many years, and football was always something that I really wanted to to do. I still really want to do it and I’m hoping I can progress and do well.

“But I’m still involved in sprinting and it’s just that my season’s come to the close now.

“I’m extremely fast now and I feel fit and strong, so hopefully that’s going to make the difference for me.

“(Playing for Chippenham) won’t be a problem at all because my track season starts up again when the football finishes – they don’t clash at all.”

Speed demon Simpson admits he has battled against rustiness during pre-season after spending the best part of two years away from football, save for a handful of cameo appearances for Corsham Town, but is hopeful of being back to his best before long.

He said: “I’ve only played a few games in the last two years, which were for Corsham, just to help out a friend when they were a player short.

“I’ve gone back into it this year and I’ve just been trying to fine-tune my touch and little things like that again, so hopefully I’ll be ready for the season.”

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