CHIPPENHAM Town manager Gary Horgan believes the club is in a “really good place” after a number of transfer incomings and outgoings over the past week.

The Bluebirds announced the signing of several players, including Tyreke Johnson from Woking, Tom Owen-Evans from Kidderminster Harriers, Jake Evans from Hungerford Town, and Luke Haines from Hereford.

Both Owen-Evans and Haines were on loan at the Thornbury Surfacing Stadium in 2019-20 and are therefore returning for second spells.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Will Henry was confirmed as having extended his stay with Chippenham.

Horgan explained that – despite a flurry of quickfire announcements – he and the backroom staff have been working on the deals for a number of weeks.

He said: “We’ve been working really, really hard over the past few weeks – it hasn’t just been these past two days.

“We’ve had one eye on the end of the season and recruitment since the turn of the year really.

“We wanted to build on what we had last year, but the ones we have brought in, they’re exciting players with a lot of local links. And they’re all at good ages with good experience.

“We’re really pleased to have got all of these new guys in, and we’re also looking to retain as many of our current players as possible.

“We think we’re in a really good place, so when there is some movement in pre-season and during the summer, we’ll hopefully be in a position to secure a few more.”

In a busy week for the club, it was announced that Spencer Hamilton and Joe Hanks were leaving to join home-town club, Gloucester City.

The pair had played a significant part in Chippenham’s journey to the second round of the FA Cup and into the National League South play-offs the season before.

Horgan was disappointed to see them go, but understood and respected the pair’s decision.

He said: “Having spoken to both of them, they both said the last year to 18 months has been the most enjoyable and best period they’ve ever had in football.

“But they got an offer to play for their home town club which is two minutes from their door, and they’ve both had six or seven season with Gloucester previously, so the lure of going back home was too much.

“They will be a big miss, but they leave with our blessing. It’s a shame, but that’s football and people move on.

“They’ve been a big part of our history, and hopefully we’ve given them some really good memories over the past 18 months.”