CHIPPENHAM have appointed club stalwart Tim Dunford to succeed Jerry Field as their manager.

Field stepped down because of work commitments.

Dunford began his rugby playing career in his native Gloucester at the age of six, for a local rugby club. He progressed through their mini and junior playing sections and joined Chippenham in 1989. He has been a permanent first team member for the last 15 years. He was captain for three years.

As well as playing he is heavily involved on the coaching side of the club, particularly with the junior playing section.

He also coached the county development side last season which has given him experience of coaching different boys from different clubs from around the county.

He also coaches the Wiltshire College team, which is mainly made up of students studying farming at Lackham. They play their home matches at Lackham.

He feels that he has another season playing at first team level. He said: "It was a great honour to be asked to fill the role of manager of rugby and to take over from Jerry.

"I am getting towards the end of my playing career and would like to carry on in some capacity at the club. It is a high profile and important position and I had to think about it long and hard before deciding to accept the job.'

Dunford sees his role as helping to implement the club's five year plan. He said: "It is important to get the playing sides up and running and in line with the five year plan and that has to involve all sections from the minis through the juniors, development squad and ultimately to the senior playing section. I am looking forward to the challenge.'

Club chairman Ian Lyons is delighted at the appointment. He said: "Tim will build on the excellent work that Jerry Field has put in place. He is the Club's 1st team scrum half and his son plays in the Mini section.

"Tim is really someone with the Club's success at heart and is highly respected by everyone at Chippenham Rugby Football Club. I have no doubt that his appointment will really move the Club forward in terms of rugby at all levels.''

Pre-season training has already started at Chippenham. Players are reminded that training nights for the seniors is on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7pm.

One player noticeable by his absence is first teamer Ian McNerlin who has decided to move to Corsham.

He played an integral part in the success on the field last season but Robbie Spiers, chairman of the senior playing section is confident McNerlin's departure to Corsham will not upset the first team.

He said: "Ian was a player capable of covering both back and front rows and he had many happy and successful seasons at Chippenham but has decided that his outlook will be more focused on the social side of the game.

"Also his son is showing an interest in playing with his Corsham school friends so Ian has decided to change his allegiances to his new club.

"All at Chippenham wish Ian and his family all the very best of luck for the future and look forward to seeing them again at Allington Field.''