OUT of contract Bluebirds winger Steve Brown is poised to join their Southern League Premier Division rivals Tiverton Town for the new season.

The 30-year-old suffered a broken leg last season in the early stages of a league clash with Worcester City in March last March.

His contract at Hardenhuish ran out that summer but he had hoped to be awarded a new one when he made his expected return midway through last season.

But his rehabilitation was not as swift as had been hoped and he only made his comeback on the pitch for Larkhall Reserves in late February.

After that he put a return to Chippenham on hold and decided to continue rebuilding his fitness before starting afresh for the 2004/05 season.

Brown said he had nothing against staying with Chippenham if an offer was made but for now his number one choice is Tiverton Town.

"I've to the Tiverton manager Martyn Rogers and he's given me a few details on their preparations for pre-season training," said Brown.

"I've told him I'm keen to get back into it and they would be my favourite choice for next season.

"Nothing is signed yet but if things work out Tiverton would be my favourite choice."

Brown said he wanted to put his injury nightmare behind him and begin with a clean slate next season.

"Chalky wanted to sign me for Chippenham on transfer deadline day last season but I told him I was taking the rest of the season off to train.

"I never said a definite yes or no to Chippenham but I now feel it is time to draw a line under my time there and move with a fresh start

"It was bad getting the injury when I did at that time during the season. It was unfortunate how things panned out. But I feel now is the right time to move on.

"The Chippenham fans have been great to me and it's a fantastic club. I have great memories from my time there that I will cherish. Especially going to Wembley in the FA Vase."

Brown is now focusing on getting fully fit again and said he would be looking on the fixture list for Tiverton's games against Chippenham.

"I need to give the leg a good test in pre-season and I'm still working out in the gym all the time," he added.

"You always look forward to playing against a former club and if I do move elsewhere I would hope to get a good reception if I play against Chippenham.

"When I was injured my contract ran out and although Chippenham said they were keen on keeping no deal was ever offered.

"I was a free agent and as time went on I gradually felt it was time to take rest of season off and start afresh for new season.

"I could have been at Chippenham for the new season but I feel the time is right to start again at a new club."