MARK Collier expects youngster Tyron Leigh to remain with Chippenham Town next season after his recent trial with Bristol City Academy.

The 17-year-old defender was named the Bluebirds’ young player of the year at last Friday’s end-of-season presentation evening at Chippenham Sports Club and looks set to stay at Hardenhuish Park next season after featuring in a number of trial games for League One City’s youth set-up.

“Ty hasn’t heard back after his trial, so he’s taking that as a sign that he won’t be joining them – he’ll re-sign for Chippenham and we’re happy to have him,” said Collier.

“To play at this level at just 17-years-old is out of the ordinary and it just shows that whether you’re 17 or 37, if you’re good enough, you’ll play. He can learn from Greg Tindle and Matt Coupe and hopefully we can keep hold of him for a while.’’

James Guthrie took home the players' player of the season and the Bluebirds Supporters’ Club player of the year gongs while Greg Tindle was named manager’s player of the year, with pundit and former Leicester City and Portsmouth veteran Steve Claridge in attendance as guest speaker.

“Myself and Tom (Jones) both wrote down our player of the year, swapped them, and we both came up with the same name,’’ added Collier.

“Greg was a bit low on confidence when we took over but he’s grown from that and has been, and will continue to be, a superb defender for this club.

“James Guthrie has done very well, whatever position he’s been asked to play, and he chips in with a few goals too. He’s an infectious character, which is why he’s popular with the lads.”

Collier revealed he is still talking to Joe McClennan, who was rumoured to be interesting Bath City, while fellow winger Corey King has left the Bluebirds.

But on Wednesday, Chippenham announced the signing of former Swindon Supermarine and Calne Town midfielder Jordan Roberts, 21, from Wootton Bassett Town.

Town can look forward to local clashes with Cirencester Town, Paulton Rovers, as well as Frome Town after the make-up of the Southern League Premier Division was released this week.

Promoted from Division One Central are Bedfordshire’s Dunstable Town and Berkshire's Slough Town.

Dorset side Dorchester Town and Cambridgeshire outfit Histon have been relegated from the Conference South and Conference North respectively and West Midlands’ Halesowen Town have moved sideways from the Northern League, with Corby Town going in the opposite direction.

Next season’s Southern Premier Division line-up: Arlesey Town, Banbury United, Biggleswade Town, Bideford, Burnham, Cambridge City, Chesham United, Chippenham Town, Cirencester Town, Dorchester Town, Dunstable Town, Frome Town, Halesowen Town, Histon, Hitchin Town, Hungerford Town, Paulton Rovers, Poole Town, Redditch United, St Neots Town, Slough Town, Stourbridge, Truro City, Weymouth.

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