CHIPPENHAM Town captain Kieran Parselle will join for the Bluebirds’ arch-rivals Bath City from next season.

The long-serving defender departed the Bluebirds after an excellent season at the Thornbury Surfacing Stadium which saw him voted into the National League South team of the season.

A short statement from Bath announcing the news read: “We are pleased to announce the signing of 25-year-old central defender Kieran Parselle as one of our new recruits for the coming season.

“Kieran was named in the Vanarama National League South team of the season, following a successful campaign with our neighbours Chippenham Town, and we hope he has further success in 2022/23 as we welcome him to Twerton Park.”

Meanwhile, Chippenham broke the deal midway through an article on their website regarding ‘player preparations for next season’.

The Bluebirds said: “CTFC would like to thank Kieran for his services over the time he has spent with us and also as team captain. We wish him all the best for the future.”

However, more positive news from the Wiltshire club revealed a handful of talented individuals have already signed up for the new campaign under manager Gary Horgan.

Chippenham said: “Alefe D’Abadia, Joe Hanks, and Alex Bray are among the players who have confirmed their commitment for next season.

“In addition, the club has exercised its option in respect of Will Henry’s retention. Dan Griffiths and Jordan Young are also contracted to the club.”

Horgan’s men said work is “actively underway” to bolster the squad ahead of pre-season, which starts in a few weeks’ time.

Chippenham are set to play Highworth Town on Wednesday, July 6 in their opening pre-season friendly – on the same day that the National League fixtures are released.

The Bluebirds will then take on Bristol Rovers at the Thornbury Surfacing Stadium on Tuesday, July 12 before away games against Hartley Wintney (Saturday, July 16) and Cirencester Town (Saturday, July 23).

Prior to Chippenham’s final pre-season friendly away to Melksham Town on Saturday, July 30, Horgan’s men will host Cardiff City Under-23s on Wednesday, July 27 with a 7:30pm kick-off.

The club does have one more friendly to announce. That is set to take place on Tuesday, July 19 at the Thornbury Surfacing Stadium.

Horgan will be hoping to take his team one step further than they managed last season when a miracle run resulted in an extra-time defeat to Ebbsfleet United in the National League South play-off semi-finals.