Chippenham are one of the favourites to win promotion from the Southern Premier

Chippenham Town manager Adie Mings says his players deserve great credit for sticking with the club ahead of another Southern League campaign.

The Bluebirds were beaten in last season's play-off final but have managed to keep most of their squad.

Mings told BBC Wiltshire their loyalty deserves great credit.

"If it was down to finances a lot of these lads could be earning a lot more elsewhere. I want us to hit the ground running," he said.

Mings hopes they can again challenge towards the top of the table.

"I don't want us to be inconsistent like at times we were last year," he added. "We can then keep ourselves in the top part of the table and be a side that people can start talking about.

"I counted up to 12 sides that can finish in the play-offs. I don't think you'll find that in any other league."

The Bluebirds boss believes Brackley, Cambridge City, Salisbury and Truro are among the clubs who will do well this term.

"The league will be even stronger this year than it was last year," he said.

Chippenham travel to Hednesford on Saturday for their opening fixture having beaten them in last season's play-off semi-finals at Hardenhuish Park.

Nathan Rudge has returned to the club after eight years at Tiverton whilst former Bristol Rovers youngster Alex Kite, who has impressed in previous loan spells, has joined on a permanent basis.

Ashley Edenborough is also seen as a potential key signing after his move from local rivals Swindon Supermarine.

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