Former Chippenham Town striker David Pratt says he will miss the Chippenham Town supporters but had no option other than to leave the club.

The 21-year-old signed for Conference South side Basingstoke Town last week after a two-year spell at Hardenhuish Park.

Pratt, who was contacted shortly after the final game of the season, said he was initially keen to stay at Chippenham but the lure of playing at a higher level was too great to turn down.

“I talked to Adie Mings about it and he said I could go and talk to them, which I did, and spoke to their manager,” he said.

“I took a couple of days to decide but then chose to go for it.

“All it is for me is a chance to try and play at a higher level. It’s a step forward. I’m sad to leave Chippenham but for me as a footballer I had to take it.

“It’s nothing to do with money. It’s purely a chance to progress. If they hadn’t come in for me then I would have been happy to stay.

“Chippenham offered me a new deal.

“The fans and everyone are great at Chippenham and I enjoyed my time there.

“That’s the only downside for me is that I am leaving that behind.”

The former Swindon Supermarine man was top goalscorer in each of his seasons at Hardenhuish Park and manager Mings last week described his departure as a massive blow.

Basingstoke finished just above the relegation spots in their league last season but Pratt says he is joining an ambitious club.

“They didn’t have the best season last year but I think the aim now is to give it a good go,” he said.