IT'S a case of brothers reunited at Hardenhuish this season as the tough tackling Thorne siblings join forces to help the Bluebirds' promotion push.

Gary Thorne's summer switch from Merthyr Tydfil means he will be lining up alongside his younger brother Wayne for the first time in five years.

The brothers have played against each other a number of times since their spell together at Gloucester City but they are now relishing the chance of working towards the same aim.

Wayne, 24, said: "Gary is a brilliant signing for us as he adds that bit of experience we needed after Tom Gould and Colin Towler leaving.

"It will be good to play in the same team with him again rather than against him and I honestly believe we have to be aiming at getting promotion out of the Southern League."

Brother Gary, 27, agreed that promotion was a realistic target.

He said: "From what I have seen over the past few years there is a lot of potential at Chippenham.

"As long as we can get off to a good start then I realistically think we will be there or there abouts.

"It will be strange playing next to Wayne again because we know each other so well but when you cross that white line we will just be team-mates."

For a while during the close season it looked as though Chippenham were going to lose Wayne to Newport County but an offer to be Chippenham's new captain was too tempting to resist.

He will now wear the armband for the Bluebirds this season, an issue that may cause a few arguments between the brothers over the next few months.

Wayne said: "For the first time in his life he is going to have to listen to what I say. As the older brother he will not be used to being told what to do by his younger brother.

"But he is a very experienced player and I am sure he will help me through. He is a very good talker and his signing will prove invaluable.

"He has been linked with Chippenham for a while and I am sure he will be one of the best defenders in the league."

Gary has been captain for a number of his previous clubs, including Bath City and Newport County, and he insists even though his younger brother has been given the armband it will not stop him from telling others what to do.

He said: "I am not going to take any flak from him or anyone else. He may have the armband but that won't stop me shouting at people on the pitch.

"In fact I will probably be roaring at him just as much as he roars at me. As a centre back it is important you talk to your team-mates and I will definitely do that."

Gary started his career at Swindon Town where he played and trained with Chippenham boss Steve White and he admits this was one of his reasons for signing.

He said: "I have known Steve for a while and I respect him a lot as a person and as a manager.

"Also the ground is only 15 minutes away from my home which will be convenient rather than travelling to Merthyr Tydfil three times a week.

"I am just looking forward to the start of the season and hopefully enjoying some successful results."