CHIPPENHAM Town boss Mark Collier is delighted the club have made two new additions with the double signing of Dean Evans and Mark Cooper.

The pair, who have both signed for the Bluebirds from Weymouth, have been on Collier’s radar for some time and the Chippenham chief is happy he’s managed to lure them to Hardenhuish Park.

“They’re two decent signings and they are two decent players. Both have had an effect on us when we have played against them,” said Collier.

“Cooper is a right-footed and left-footed full-back who can play at centre-half as well, so that gives us options across the backline.

“Evans is one who has always impressed against us, he’s got that fire in his belly and he’s a box-to-box midfielder.

“He gets in both boxes and is always a threat going forward, he is defensively sound and he is another one who has quite a bit of experience.

“Speaking to both lads they both wanted to come, they both showed a desire to be at the club and they fit the budget.”

The club have already made early steps to prepare for their first season in the National League with 15 players already resigning for next year.

Darren Chitty, Dan Bowman, Rhys Baggridge, Matt Jones, Nuno Felix, John Beeden, Michael Pook, Chris Allen, James Guthrie, Andy Sandell, David Pratt, Alex Ferguson, Matt Smith, Will Richards and Greg Tindle have all pledged their future to the club.

While Collier is happy so many have reaffirmed their commitment to the cause, he remains hopeful that 40-year-old Gary Horgan also signs a new deal.

“I’ve got a list of targets, there are a couple who have fallen by the way-side but we need to make sure we have a competitive squad in the level above,” added Collier.

“We know we are going to need a bigger squad than the one we had.

“The only one who hasn’t signed is Gary, he is getting married in the summer and he is 40 so there is plenty for him to think about.

“He’s been given an offer, he just need a bit more time to talk to his wife-to-be, but I am hopeful on that one.”