CHIPPENHAM Town manager Tommy Saunders could turn to a face from the past after being thwarted in his bid to lure experienced former Cheltenham Town striker Jason Eaton to Hardenhuish Park.

Dave Godley, who left Chippenham at the end of the 1999/2000 campaign, has been training with the Bluebirds for the past week and is keen on a move back to the club for whom he made a Wembley appearance.

The striker was a regular goalscorer for Cirencester Town last term, and was on target in a 3-1 loss to the Bluebirds in April.

Saunders needs a striker to fill the void left by last season's 20-goal frontman James Bent and looked sure to land 33-year-old Eaton after the forward took part in a series of training sessions at Hardenhuish Park.

But Premier Division rivals Bath City sabotaged the move after Eaton had effectively agreed a deal with the Bluebirds chief and the player will move to Twerton Park.

Saunders said: "I am gutted. We thought the deal was done. Bath didn't make a better financial offer to Jason, but he has a lot of mates there which would have influenced his decision. I've spoken to him on the phone and he keeps apologising, but I'm very disappointed with him."

Despite making nine new signings this summer, the Bluebirds are still short of cover up front.

Steve Tweddle's decision to stay at Hardenhuish last week leaves him in competition with just two other recognised strikers, Matt Rawlins and Adie Mings.

Ex-Hereford United utility player Murray Fishlock is still waiting on the progress of a long-term back injury before committing himself to Chippenham.