Swindon Supermarine have emerged as a surprise contender for the signature of former Chippenham Town favourite John Woods.

Marine boss John Murphy has seen two targets apparently slip through his fingers, but has quickly switched his attention to midfielder Woods, who quit the Bluebirds last week.

Murphy had lined up deals for Cinderford duo Lyndon Tompkins and Clayton Hook, but after training at Hunts Copse, the pair look set to back out of permanent moves.

Defender Tompkins seems to be Gloucester City-bound, while Forest of Dean-based Hook may choose to stay put at Cinderford.

The Marine boss explained: "Hook and Tompkins have been training with us, and offers have been made.

"But Gloucester are interested in both of them and Cinderford have made them improved offers. I don't think we can't compete financially with either.

"I expect Tompkins to choose Gloucester, and while I'm more hopeful of getting Hook, he could decide that the travelling is too much with his current club on his doorstep.

"Hook did seem to enjoy training here though, and I should have an answer from him by Sunday."

Murphy's top transfer priority is a new centre half, but the sudden availability of midfield dynamo Woods is proving hard to resist.

"I understand that John Woods is available and I'm keen to talk to him.

"He's the type of player we're looking for. He always performs well because he's continuously looking to prove a point at Dr Martens level.

"He quit Chippenham due to the travelling involved in the Premier Division. The Western Division isn't quite as bad, but he may want to stay local and go back to the Screwfix League.

"He'd be a good signing, and I'll be speaking to him when he returns from holiday."

Woods has been training with Bristol-based Screwfix side Brislington since ending his four-year stint at Hardenhuish Park.

But the super-fit 28-year-old may be keen to link up with some former Chippenham teammates at Hunts Copse.

A move to Marine would reunite Woods with defenders Lea James and Nick Beaverstock.

All three were key members of the Bluebirds' FA Vase squad during their run to Wembley in 2000.