MARK Collier is daring to dream that ‘exciting times’ could be in the offing at Chippenham Town as they head into the turn of the year second in the Evo-Stik League Southern Premier Division.

The Bluebirds haven’t finished in the play-off positions since the 2009-2010 campaign - they were beaten 2-1 in extra-time by Nuneaton Town in the final – but Collier’s troops look poised for a genuine assault on the top five, with leaders Poole Town 12 points clear of the chasing pack.

Chippenham drew 1-1 with third-placed Hungerford Town on Boxing Day and kick-off 2016 with a trip to near neighbours Cirencester Town on Saturday.

“If anyone had offered us the chance to be sitting in second at the turn of the year, we would have bitten their hand off,” said Collier.

“We’ve had a great first half of the season and if we’re anywhere near as competitive in the second half as we were in the first, then we could be in for exciting times at Hardenhuish Park.

“We’ve got every chance of being in the mix for the play-offs come the end of the season and the players deserve credit for getting us there.

“We start the new year with a tough game against Cirencester, who are always a very workmanlike team, but we’re looking forward to it.”

Following the recent departures of strikers Ashan Holgate and Lee Phillips, who were both blighted by long-term injuries, Collier and his assistant manager Tom Jones are on the hunt for attacking reinforcements to hand extra thrust to their play-off push.

In the short term, Chippenham have handed pacy frontman Omar Simpson, who has featured for the likes of Frome Town, Melksham Town and Welton Rovers since departing the Bluebirds midway through last term, a chance to impress.

Collier said: “Omar had been on the phone, asking to get back involved. We told him that we’d have to take a look at him in training and he’s looked particularly good.

“He offers us something different. He’s got the speed to trouble defences because he’s got the pace to catch pigeons. He came off the bench against Hungerford and the ball’s in his court now because he’s got the chance to show us what he can do for a little while.

“Alan Griffin was our man-of-the-match last weekend but we need to be careful with how we manage his knee. Andy Sandell also looked a threat. At this moment in time we are looking to add someone, but only if it’s the right player.”