MICHAEL Green has tipped Chippenham Town for a place in the Conference Two next season after leaving the club for Forest Green Rovers last week.

The former Southampton Academy player had spent the last couple of months on loan at Hardenhuish where his consistent performances earned him a move to the Conference League.

Green was expecting to stay at Chippenham for the rest of the season after being disappointed with his performance in the Premiership exit trials but believes his old team mates can progress without him.

The 19-year-old defender, said: "I think they have got a very good side and a very strong squad and I would be very surprised if they do not make the play-offs at least.

"I don't think automatic promotion is entirely out of the question yet and I see no reason why they won't get promoted.

"It was looking like I was not going to get my chance with a bigger club but obviously I am delighted I have.

"I think I did well for Chippenham and I know a number of clubs had come to watch me and some of the club's other players."

Before moving to Chippenham, Green had struggled to make his mark in his two-year spell at Southampton and he was full of gratitude for being given a chance at Chippenham.

He said: "My time here was absolutely brilliant. I can't say enough about the help I received from Steve White, Ron Needham, the players and the fans. The entire club have been superb. They gave me my first taste of first team football and I will never forget that."

Green was an unused substitute for Forest Green's match at Barnet on Saturday but is hoping to play a part in tomorrow's fixture at Morecombe.