ANDREW CHAPMAN is the latest of last season’s first team regulars who will not be returning to play for Cirencester Town this year.

Chapman turned out for the team in the friendly at Highworth on Tuesday night, but has decided not to take up a new contract.

“We made Chappy a very good offer and his decision is a big blow,” said manager Adi Viveash.

“But his circumstances have changed and I fully understand why he is not coming back.

“He is now living in Watford and it took him two hours to get to the Highworth game; he was not home until after midnight.

“He now has a job that requires him to be up at 6am “I know the assistant manager at Hemel Hempstead, which is 20 minutes from where Chappy lives and I have put in a good word for him. He will be training there tonight (Thursday).

“They are in the Southern Premier and he can certainly continue to play at that level when he gets his fitness up. Chappy would be a very good signing for them.

“We are definitely going to miss his crosses and set-piece delivery.”

Cirencester Town have completed an unenviable hat-trick, having been drawn away to Malvern Town of the BGB Division One Midland in the GX (Southern League) Cup on Tuesday, October 28.

That makes it three away matches in three Cup competitions so far.

On Saturday, August 30, Town face a trip in the FA Cup to either VT FC or Newport Pagnell Town, while in the FA Trophy on Saturday, October 4, they must travel to Marlow.