CHIPPENHAM striker Adie Mings has emerged as favourite to take the vacant assistant manager role at Hardenhuish Park.

The 33-year-old forward looks set to fill the void left by Tommy Saunders' former No 2 Nobby Bush, who recently quit the Bluebirds to take over as manager of Screwfix League neighbours Corsham Town.

Chippenham boss Saunders said: "It looks like Adie will take over as assistant he is desperate to do it, but he is on holiday at the moment.

"When he gets back we'll sit down and sort something out."

Meanwhile, Saunders insists that goalkeeper James Bittner is going nowhere yet despite the acquisition of Cirencester shot-stopper Mark Hervin in a one-year deal.

The Bluebirds boss emphasised his desire to keep hold of Bittner by turning down a four-figure bid from Conference side Woking last week.

Unless an improved offer comes in for the former Fulham custodian, Bittner will remain at Hardenhuish to battle with Hervin for the No 1 jersey.

Town have also turned down a £2,000 offer from Newport County for full-back Wayne Thorne.

Elsewhere, Ciren boss Brian Hughes has returned from holiday to find he has lost his goalkeeper following Hervin's decision to quit the Corinium Stadium in favour of Chippenham.

"It wasn't a surprise," said Hughes. "It's been in the offing for a while.

"I'm not too concerned, I've put my feelers out and we have other irons in the fire."

Hughes also expects to lose forward Gareth Hopkins, while veteran Keith Knight may opt to hang up his boots.

The Centurions boss is monitoring potential replacements, including two midfielders at Forest Green.