CHIPPENHAM Town have moved to tie down star striker Andy Sandell for a sustained spell at Hardenhuish Park, with the announcement that he has signed a two-year contract at the club.

The Bluebirds snapped up Sandell earlier this summer after he was released by League Two side Newport County at the end of the 2014-15 season.

The former Exiles skipper has hit the ground running at Chippenham, bagging seven goals in his first four games for the club, and has helped them to the top of the Southern League Premier Division table.

Chippenham are the longest-serving side in the division and boss Mark Collier says that securing Sandell’s services in this manner is a statement of intent as they aim for promotion.

“We’re very pleased to be able to do this. When we first got him, everyone knew he was a quality player and he has started so well for us,” said Collier.

“He could definitely still play at least two leagues above. He will be an important player for us over the next two years.

“Signing someone like that sends the message that we want to go places. It’s a statement of where we are going to go.

“Hopefully, it helps when it comes to signing more players of a similar ilk, and in terms of attracting sponsors and supporters as well.”

Sandell’s flying start to his Bluebirds career has been curtailed by injury and he has not played since the 3-1 win away at Dorchester Town on August 29.

He has missed Chippenham’s last four games and is also set to sit out the visit of Merthyr Town on Saturday.

Collier added: “He is improving and is running at three-quarters pace. Saturday may be a few days too early and my gut feeling would be that he won’t quite be ready.”