CHIPPENHAM Town manager Tommy Saunders has been given a 20 per cent increase in his playing budget to prepare for life in the Dr Martens League Premier Division.

However, it seems Chippenham will be without a reserve team following a meeting of the club's executive committee.

The Bluebirds have applied to enter a second string side into the Hellenic League next season, but the logistics of the exercise may force club chiefs to postpone the plan for another season.

Chippenham have run without a reserve side for the past six seasons.

A reserve team would have provided a key link between the club's successful under 18s side, managed by Colin Bush, and the first team and given first team players returning from injury the chance to regain match sharpness.

Chairman Malcolm Lyus admitted the plan is now unlikely to go ahead until at least the start of the 2003/04 season, but has raised manager Saunders' playing budget as a direct result.

Said Lyus: "We have a problem with staffing it and it probably won't happen for another season.

"I'm disappointed because it was my idea to have one. What I didn't realise was how involved it is. It is just like running a separate club within a club.

"But the good thing for Tommy is he has had his budget increased by 20 per cent due to it not happening."

Saunders is hoping to tempt former Bath City stalwart Colin Towler to Hardenhuish Park.

The 32-year-old defender was the Bath club's captain as they narrowly avoided the drop into the Western Division on the final day of the season.

Said Saunders: "He is a player I've been talking to, but I won't know any more until the weekend."

The Bluebirds face competition from Weston-super-Mare for Towler's services, but the defender admitted he could move to Hardenhuish Park.

He said: "I'm having preliminary talks with Tommy at the moment, and a move to Chippenham is a big possibility."