CHIPPENHAM striker Martin Paul has switched to bitter rivals and former club Bath City on the eve of Tuesday night's derby.

But a clause in the three-figure deal means he will not line-up against his former club at Twerton Park.

Paul, 30, was informed of Bath's interest after rejecting a loan move to Paulton Rovers, Mangotsfield and Team Bath.

The striker, who was getting frustrated with his limited first team appearances, asked Chippenham boss Steve White for a loan deal last week to get much needed match practice.

Paul, who lives in Bristol, did not want a permanent transfer but said the lure of regular football convinced him to make the return to his old club.

He said: "It is all bit of a shock really, I heard about it at lunchtime on Monday and spoke to both managers concerned and moved clubs that day.

"I never asked to go anywhere, it was a club decision. I was not wanted but that's football."

Even White was not expecting a permanent move so soon and says the decision was purely financial. On Thursday he paid £1,000 to Weston-super-Mare to sign striker Dave Godley.

He said: "It is best for all three parties involved. We sold him to keep the budget right."

The deal went through extremely quickly for an undisclosed sum, and Paul made his presence felt immediately with a goal in Tuesday night's 2-2 draw with Histon.

"The best part of my career was spent at Twerton Park, in the end it was an easy decision to go back there.

"It was really pleasing to see a lot of the Chippenham players at the game to wish me luck.

"Gary Horgan, Simon Charity, both the Thorne brothers and even Tom Gould and Adie Mings turned up to see my debut."

His goal has done the Bluebirds a favour as Histon are capable of catching Chippenham if they win their games in hand. Thanks to Paul, who signed for Chippenham from Newport County in 2001, and Bath City they dropped two vital points and now have to win every game in hand to get to the top of the table.

Paul does have some elements of regret when leaving the club where he spent almost four seasons.

"I will miss the fans, they were great to me. It was a shame I did not get a final game to say goodbye to the them.

"But it was nice that I scored against Tiverton in what turned out to be my last game in a Chippenham shirt."

After Paul's departure the Chippenham board has pledged its support if White wants to bring in another player.

He said: "If the right player should become available the board have said they will back me to go and get him."

But Bluebirds fans will not get the opportunity to see Paul play on Tuesday night.

As part of the 15-month deal, the target man is not allowed to play in any of the matches between the two rivals this season, including the play-offs.

One player who will be featuring in and does not need motivating is midfielder Mark Badman.

The former Bath player is eager to face his old side and would have missed the original fixture in December because of an achilles injury.

Badman, 25, was happy the game was called off as it gave him time to recover and fight for his place in the midfield.

He said: "I am really looking forward to it. Hopefully I can stay injury free and keep my place for the match.

"It will be a tough game and usually is. The players always take this fixture very seriously."