ADIE Mings will run the rule over a host of hopefuls when Chippenham Town kick-off their pre-season friendlies next week.

The Bluebirds held their first training session on Thursday and the Chippenham manager has eight triallists on board, all looking to impress and earn a place at Hardenhuish Park.

Boss Mings confirmed that at least two central defenders are trialling for the Bluebirds and that former Yeovil Town striker and Dean Birkby has been joining in.

“Everyone’s just looking forward to getting back playing again and we’ll use the game next Tuesday (away to Calne Town) and the Odd Down game (July 17) to have a look at those guys (who are on trial),” said the Chippenham manager.

“What they’ve shown so far has been excellent and obviously, you always want competition for places.

“We’ll see how they do and if we want to sign some of them then it comes down to the financial side, what we can offer them and what players are looking for.

“Dean’s a friend who I played with at Bath and he’s been coming to train to keep fit but he’s not interested in the football side of things – when you get older it helps to train with people you know to keep the weight down.

“Training has been fantastic so far and I’m really really pleased.The lads have come back in very good shape, their fitness has been superb and it’s been good fun.

“We’re loooking forward to playing again but we’ll get a few more sessions under our belt first.”

FORMER Chippenham loanee Alex Kite is in training with Blue Square Premier outfit Bath City.