CHIPPENHAM Town goalkeeper Steve Perrin has questioned the motives of some of the club's supporters, who he believes only come to Hardenhuish Park to watch the team lose.

Perrin spoke out after being subjected to personal abuse from a handful of home fans during Saturday's goal-less draw with Mangotsfield.

The veteran shot-stopper claims some supporters "overstepped the mark" by aiming taunts at members of his family during the first half.

Perrin said: "I've taken abuse from away fans all my career and it doesn't bother me at all. To be honest it's like water off a duck's back.

"The unfortunate thing about Saturday was that the abuse came from our fans.

"It's not even a small minority but a handful of supporters who I believe enjoy watching Chippenham struggle just so they have something to moan about.

"The real fans behind the goal got behind me when they heard what was going on. It was great to have their full backing and support."

Perrin, who spent seven seasons at Nationwide Conference outfit Forest Green Rovers, is well-known for his rapport with the fans.

He says he enjoys the friendly banter on match days but insists the comments made on Saturday were out of order.

Perrin said: "I've been very lucky to play at a high level of football and as a goalkeeper you expect to get some stick.

"When you play in front of a crowd of a few thousand any insults seem to fade away into the background noise.

"But playing in front of 600 fans at Chippenham there are bound to be a few quiet moments during the game.

"It's during these times you can here what's being said. I can handle any abuse aimed at me but I shouldn't have to listen to things said about my family."

Some Chippenham fans have suggested Perrin brought the reaction on himself with his colourful language, but brother and manager Darren disagrees.

He said: "At times Steven does things I don't agree with but it comes with the territory. Sometimes he needs to have a moan and a groan - if you took that away from him he wouldn't be half the player.

"Family has got nothing to do with this - I've got no time for any fans who direct personal abuse at any of my players, whoever they are.

"Some of the players were very disappointed and upset by some of the comments that were made.

"I just wonder whether the people who made these remarks would say them to that person face-to-face."

The manager himself came in for criticism on Saturday when a chorus of boos greeted his decision to replace Alan Griffin with Sam Allison.

Perrin says the fans are entitled to voice their opinion but he believes the boos can also be counter-productive.

He said: "The supporters pay good money and they come to see us get results. But how can the booing help the players in any way?

"At least this way I know the fans care. I'm more than happy to talk to them about my decisions and I'm man enough to take any criticism on the chin.

"Ninety-eight per cent of the supporters are amazing, but I think one or two of them have short memories.

"This football club has seen a lot of success in the last few seasons. We are by no means out of touch in the league this year and we're still in the FA Trophy.

"I hope the supporters get behind us from the first whistle to the last against Didcot on Saturday. It's a big game and we need all the help we can get."