CHIPPENHAM Town chairman Neil Blackmore has coughed up the money requested by first team manager Michael Cook to install state-of-the-art analytical technology.

Hudl Sportscode is a software used by thousands of professional teams worldwide across a variety of sports including football, basketball, rugby and more.

Club analyst Phil Clark – a student studying in his final year at Hartpury College – will now be able to break down opposition teams’ traits from set-pieces, corners, penalties and during open play at the touch of a button.

Clark will also be able to stream matches live to his laptop and provide Cook with key pockets of on-field information before, during and after each of Bluebirds’ remaining 15 National League South fixtures.

Cook is no stranger to Hudl Sportscode – he used the software while manager at Gloucester City and insists the investment could be worth an additional 12 points per season.

With Chippenham currently in National League South’s relegation frame, Cook knows having technology such as Hudl Sportscode on his side could be the difference between the Hardenhuish Park outfit surviving the drop.

He said: “We’re trying to do things professionally. This investment will allow us to look at opponents’ strengths and weaknesses.

“We can look at teams we’re playing and take clips of them as well. We also have wires that will run a live feed, so we can record games and Phil (Clark, analyst) can provide us with that edge at half time.

“If we’re doing well or anyone needs to be called out on their mistakes, then we can refer back to the video – which can be used as a positive as well as a negative.

“We’re trying to cover all angles to gain a result.”

Should Chippenham survive relegation this term, it’s possible that analyst Clark will join the club on a full or part-time basis.

Cook has been in charge at Hardenhuish Park for two games – both ending draws to Dulwich Hamlet and Havant & Waterlooville respectively.

The former Gloucester boss revealed he has so far enjoyed his time at the club, and appreciates Blackmore’s financial backing.

He added: “I’ve always been at clubs where money hasn’t been great, so we’ve had to do a lot of coaching.

“I must say, the chairman has always helped me out with regards to me – that’s a nice change for me.

“We’re investing our money wisely, and it’s nice to have that backing. When I first started management at Cinderford, I felt like I was a bit short in some departments.

“I went away and upskilled myself and got my pro-licence with the FA – that was one of the most fantastic courses I have ever been on.

“With all my knowledge, I think I can bring a lot to the table.”