CHIPPENHAM Town have signed former Bristol City and Wales youngster Miles John.

The 21-year-old spent part of his season last year at Bath City and has previously turned out for Wales until U19 level.

Bluebirds boss Mark Collier believes his new man can have a big impact for his side this season.

He said: “He’s an ex-Bristol City youngster and has been capped by Wales up to U19.

"He’s one of those who have fallen out of the pro game a little bit, but he’s come in and he's looked good in training.

“He’s quick, very good technically and can play anywhere down the right, right midfield, right back as well as a few other positions too.

"It’s imperative to have those kind of players because when you are on the bench you need players who are flexible.”

Town got their pre-season off to a good start when they produced a solid performance to beat Malmesbury Vics 4-0.

Collier said:“It’s about getting minutes in the bank. They have all had 45 minutes and some of them have had an hour, it’s a fitness exercise.

“It was two different teams, one in the first half and one in the second. We created chances and that is what it is all about.

"It’s another step in the right direction and another step closer to the first game on August 6. It is good to get that match practice if we weren’t playing we would be training.”

The Bluebirds will face newly-promoted Kings Langley on the opening day of the Evo-Stik League Southern Premier Division.

Collier said:"It (the season) is closer than you think, the conversation we have with the players is that everything we are doing is for August 6). Every session and every game you need to get something out of it.

"Hopefully that will stand us in good stead for the season, our squad is looking good, we have good shape and we have two players in each position.

"Some people have said to me that I have a big squad to pick from choose from but competition for places is important.”