CHIPPENHAM TOWN manager Mark Collier has labelled the club’s 2-2 draw with Cirencester Town as a ‘useful exercise’ as he continues to prepare his side for a second term in the National League South.

Collier opted to name two different sides for each half of Tuesday’s friendly, as Karnell Chambers and Nat Jarvis found the back of the net.

The Bluebirds fielded two trialists, but the Chippenham boss says he does not expect to sign either and claims he is happy with the group he has assembled.

“The game served its purpose, we got some more game time into people and most of them should be ready for 85-90 minutes,” said Collier, who had warned his squad against complacency after Saturday’s 3-0 friendly win at Melksham Town, in which Chambers, Josh Smile and Billy Gleed were on target.

“It was a worthwhile exercise and we managed to have a look at two trialists.

“The two lads were both midfielders who came to the club through agents. In fact one, believe it or not has Rigobert Song (former Cameroon international and Liverpool and West Ham player) as his agent.

“He played for Paris St Germain and is Midlands-based. He did particularly well but the logistics of it aren’t going to work so that is disappointing.

“The other one is a young lad who is still at a pro club but again, he’s not any better than what we already have so there is no point in taking players on if we can’t give them game time.

“That will be it now in terms of players. We will go to our friendly with Yate Town (on Saturday) with our 18 and start to really up the levels over the next few training sessions.”

Collier says up to nine players have already staked a claim for a spot in his starting XI on the back of their pre-season performances but admits some have still got some work to do.

The manager urged his players to prove themselves if they want a starting berth for their opening day clash with Hemel Hempsted on Saturday, August 4.

“We have worked well at getting partnerships on the pitch,” he added.

“Seven, eight or even nine players have been particularly impressive in friendlies, during training and pre-season.

“Their attitude and application has been good so I would say up to nine players have pencilled themselves in already so credit to them for that.

“A couple have been off the pace a little bit so they need to push hard in the next 10 days to prove if they can’t get in the starting XI, they need to be in the squad of 16 - that is the minimum requirement.”

Collier also revealed they have been receiving help from Reading U23 goalkeeping coach James Bittner - a former Bluebirds goalkeeper - on a part-time basis to aid gloveman Will Puddy.

“James has been coaching Will, it’s a bonus to have someone like him in and he keeps Will ticking over,” he added.

Meanwhile Collier will meet with supporters ahead of the new season at an event at the club's Hardenhuish Park Bluebirds Bar on Friday night (7.30pm).

There is also an opportunity to meet the Town squad at Chippenham’s Borough Parade on Saturday morning between 10am and noon, prior to the Yate friendly.