CHIPPENHAM Town have announced winger Alex Bray will line up for the Bluebirds in 2023-24 after agreeing to sign a new contract with the club.

Bray is now into his fourth year at the Thornbury Surfacing Stadium after arriving from Hereford and is hoping to follow up a successful campaign in which the Welsh winger was named Manager’s Player of the Season by Gary Horgan.

The 27-year-old has played a multitude of positions under Horgan but has still excelled and managed to produce the highest number of goal contributions for Chippenham last season.

In a statement announcing the new deal for Bray, Chippenham said: “His tricky feet and pace frightened defenders up and down the National League South last season, and his goal contributions will once again be vital next year.”

Of the former Swindon Town and Swansea City youth player, manager Horgan said: “We’re really pleased to have Alex back.

“He was quite rightly my player of the year last season and finished the campaign leading the way in goal contributions, made all the more outstanding given his versatility and being asked to play numerous positions.”

Discussing his own move, the former Welsh Under-19 player said: “Everything about the club, from the fans and management to the team made the decision to come back for another season a no-brainer.

“The quality of players we have and will add will put us in a great position for next season. Hopefully another record-breaking season for us… up the Bluebirds!”

Meanwhile, Chippenham have confirmed the club’s pre-season schedule ahead of another year in National League South.

The Bluebirds have seven fixtures in total, starting with an away game against Yate Town on Monday, July 10.

There are two more away matches in close proximity at the end of the week, with Cribbs the opponents on Friday, July 14 prior to Hungerford Town on Saturday, July 15.

Horgan’s men face Swindon Supermarine at the Webbswood Stadium the following Tuesday – July 18 – and Salisbury at the Raymond McEnhill Stadium on Saturday, July 22.

Chippenham’s first of two home games come at the end of their pre-season programme. The Bluebirds host Basingstoke Town on Tuesday, July 25 before welcoming Melksham Town in the Ian Monnery Trophy on Saturday, July 29 – one week before the league action gets underway.

Horgan confirmed that the lack of fixture against an EFL outfit was down to the pitch restoration work taking place at the Thornbury Surfacing Stadium throughout June and early July.

He said: “We’re having work done on the pitch over the summer, and we couldn’t get on it until July 25.

“By which time, those clubs are looking at playing teams closer to their own league, similar to us.”