CHIPPENHAM Town winger Steve Brown could soon be off the injured list and back on the pitch to help boost the club's forthcoming league campaign.

The 29-year-old left-winger suffered a broken leg last season in the early stages of a league clash with Worcester City in March.

Staff at Worcester Hospital initially told Brown his shin was badly bruised rather than broken, but a re-examination of the original x-ray showed the tibia bone in his left leg had in fact been fractured.

It was the first serious injury of the player's senior career, but having had the plaster taken off his leg two weeks ago he can now see light at the end of the tunnel.

"I have seen the physio a couple of times and have been put on a training programme," Brown said.

"I am hoping to come back some time in September. But I realise it's going to be a long process.

"I've just got to take it really steadily."

Brown, who signed for Chippenham from Calne Town in 1998, said the hardest part of the recovery process was coming to terms with the injury had happened which saw him have to sit out the last three-months of the season.

But he added now he can start to increase his training he would have a new impetus to get back onto the pitch.

"It was difficult to come to terms with at first," he said. "In 11 years of senior level I had been quite fortunate with injuries.

"It wasn't easy and I wouldn't wish it on anyone, but I came to terms with what happened and supported the lads through the rest of the season.

Brown added: "It will be hard missing pre-season and the start of the full season because I am itching to play. But having been out for so long I don't mind taking a little longer.

"I want to do everything by the book so I don't suffer a setback."

With the plaster off his leg Brown will now concentrate on bike work, cross training, and weights in a bid to regain his strength and fitness.