FORMER Chippenham Town midfielder Rob Dean is pursuing legal action after injury wrecked his career last year.

The 25-year-old, from Swindon, suffered a dislocated knee in a challenge with Hungerford Town’s Ian Herring when playing for Bluebirds in March 2014 and was subsequently told by surgeons at the Great Western Hospital that he would never play again.

Last year’s clash between Chippenham and Hungerford at Bulpitt Lane was abandoned as a result of Dean’s injury and then-Crusaders midfielder Herring was sent off by referee Reuben Simon.

The Gazette & Herald understands that legal proceedings have begun but it remains unclear if Dean is pursuing action against Hungerford, Herring or both parties.

The Non-League Paper reports that former Bluebirds man is seeking legal advice from football injury specialists Mulderrigs Solicitors.

“We are aware of the claim and have received papers, which we have duly forwarded to our insurers, who will investigate and we will take things from there,” Hungerford secretary Mike Hall told the Non-League Paper.

Dean joined Chippenham from Swindon Supermarine in November 2013, scoring seven goals before his injury and receiving the club’s supporters’ player of the season award for the 2014-2015 campaign.

The former Bluebirds man refused to comment when contacted by the Gazette & Herald.