STEVE Tweddle is expecting a good reception from Bluebirds fans when he runs out in the black and white stripes of rivals Bath City at Hardenhuish Park next season.

The former Bluebirds' terrace hero moved to Twerton Park from Conference club Forest Green Rovers last week and, with the Romans now safe from the drop, is on course to return to Chippenham in 2003/04.

Although many Chippenham fans are unhappy that Tweddle was allowed to move to Bath just three months after signing for Forest Green, the frontman does not expect to receive a chorus of boos when he lines up against his old team.

He said: "I would think I will get a decent reception from them.

"You always get a couple of people who won't, but you only have to look at the reception Colin Towler got from the Bath City supporters at Hardenhuish Park earlier this season.

"I spent four good years at Chippenham and I think people will appreciate what I did for the club."

Although Tweddle's stay at Forest Green was short-lived, he insists there is no truth in the suggestion he only moved to The Lawn in order to make the switch from Chippenham to bitter rivals Bath,

He said: "I just didn't get the chance of many games there because Forest Green, apart from the Trophy, are on a fantastic run.

"I didn't want that all next season as well and I asked what would happen and they said I would always be on the fringes of the team.

"I asked if I could talk to other clubs and spoke to a few before agreeing to join Bath City.

"It is close to home and I like what I see. Bath are a big club and I'm there to help them do well."

Tweddle admitted one of the clubs interested in his signature were Chippenham, but he quickly ruled out a return to the club where he made his name as a prolific marksman.

He said: "They did come back in for me but I had no interest in going back at all. It didn't cross my mind once."

Tweddle, who was on the bench as Bath drew 1-1 at Halesowen on Saturday, is keen to prove himself at Dr Martens Premier Division level next term after an injury-hit 2002/03.

He said: "I haven't had a lot of injuries, but broke a bone in my foot last season and was out for three months this season with a knee injury.

"It happens in football. I just want a good season and whether next season is my last, who knows? I still believe in myself and my fitness and am looking forward to it."