SO far 2004 has been a happy New Year for Chippenham Town midfielder Mark Badman.

The former Bath City player had not started a game for the Bluebirds since August after suffering a hernia problem. He had already been playing through an achilles injury but the new injury forced him onto the sidelines.

He had a hernia operation in November and returned to action on New Year's Day at Tiverton. "It was frustrating being out for so long and only being able to train," he said.

"But the manager told me a day before the Tiverton game that I was going to play and I was really looking forward to it. Although we lost I felt I had a good game and fitness wise I still felt fine in the latter stages of the match.

"I've now had operations on both sides of my groin and hernia and it was good to play pain free for the first time in a long while."

While Badman was outthe Bluebirds were struggling to fill 11 jerseys but manager Steve White is now spoilt for choice in most positions. "

"The competition is stiff, particularly in midfield, but that is good for the team because it makes us all play the best we can,'' said Badman. "I think I've done well in the last two games and hopefully I can stay in the side."

Badman's contract expires at the end of the current campaign but he said he is not thinking about next season yet.

"After my operation the main thing was to concentrate on getting back to playing again," he said.