CHIPPENHAM Town may have to make new signings, not on the field but off it, as the commercial side of the ambitious Southern League Premier Division club gathers momentum.

"Chairman Sandie Webb and I have already spent hours either applying the finishing touches or revamping existing sponsorship packages. We have also come up with fresh ideas but to deliver them we may well have to add to the team," said commercial manager Tim Penwell.

The former Trowbridge League development officer, who in six-and-a-half-years realised around £25,000 in various sponsorship deals, is now on course to raising £5,000 in his first six months back with the Bluebirds.

Penwell previously covered Hellenic and Western League matches for Chippenham between 1969 and 1996 for the Wiltshire Times and Chippenham News. Said Penwell: "The potential of the club is truly tremendous. It has everything going for it, with the chairman and myself sharing one belief that aspiring to the Football League is a realistic target."

"Reaching such heights would almost certainly mean relocating to somewhere like Stanley Park but even if that is some way off, now is the time to substantially build upon the constructive and dedicated work of those before my return. The infrastructure has to be spot-on."

"The town is buzzing about its football club. Several times I have been stopped in the street by total strangers eager to know how things are progressing, even if they have never been inside Hardenhuish Park. Match day sponsorship has amazed me. I have had to turn one sponsor away this season while another has already booked a year in advance."

"My ultimate aim is to involve every aspect of the community so that everyone can feel part of the continuing success story."

The club looks for another success on Thursday with the annual golf day at Cumberwell Park, Bradford on Avon. The event has attracted a cross section of businesses as well as Forest Green Rovers' boss Gary Owers fielding a team of four.

  • Full details of the golf day can be obtained from Penwell on (01225) 767574 or Sandie Webb on 07834 817777. Prizes include a day's use of the facilities at Whatley Manor, Easton Gray; a £120 travel voucher donated by Brown's Travel, Station Hill, Chippenham; a Longleat family passport voucher and a meal voucher for the Three Magpies at Sells Green.