DEFENDER Ian Herring is listening and learning from the Chippenham management but he says the biggest influence in him is his dad.

Ray Herring, 53, has travelled around the country to see Herring play in every game this season.

Herring, 20, said: "My dad is my biggest fan. He never misses a game.

"He is an inspiration to me. We always have a chat on Sundays about the game. We talk about where I went wrong and what to improve on. It is extremely helpful to have him at the games."

Herring senior was a central defender for Malmesbury Victoria.

Herring said: "Everyone looks up to their dad, I take on his advice and try to put what he says into practice on the pitch. He used to play at a high standard himself so I think he knows what he is on about."

Herring was released from his contract at Swindon Town last Christmas.

He said: "I have had lots of knocks in my career but that was the worst. I think that I am good enough to play at that standard of football.

"It took me a while to get over it but I kept going to training with Swindon for another six months after I was released. My dad told me to take it on the chin and move on to Chippenham. I hope to play in the league again one day. Dad said to me that you have to keep working hard as you never know who will be watching your next game and when your chance will come.

"He reassures me that I can still make it as I am only young. He just tells me to keep going.''