Chippenham Town boss Gary Horgan wants to build on strong finish

By Megan Grey

Gary Horgan hailed his Chippenham Town players for turning up the heat in the second half of the season to ensure survival.

Horgan says old-fashioned hard work was behind the Bluebirds’ 15-game unbeaten run that landed him manager of the month in March, but most crucially took them away from the National League South drop zone.

Overall it’s been a positive season for the Wiltshire side with their famous FA Cup first round win over Lincoln City the stand-out result before taking on Burton Albion in the second round.

Now out of trouble in the league and in the calm waters of mid-table, Horgan says they have ambition to move further up the table.

Horgan said: “I think we have been a lot better in the second half of the season. But, overall, it has been going okay from start to finish. We have had a successful season after reaching the second round of the FA Cup and in that time beating League One opposition Lincoln that was great.

The club’s aims are to continue competing in the National league south and become more competitive and consistently. Then we can provide the club and the chairman and the fans something else to cheer about.

“If we can continue to do well in the FA cup year on year then challenging to the top end of the table that is where we would like to go.”

In March Horgan was awarded manager of the month after their success on the pitch.

Horgan said: “It was brilliant to get manager of the month. It is really a team effort. We won two teams of the month at that time as well. 

“It was a reward for everybody not just the staff but the volunteers and supporters at the club it is great for the club and the players to receive some recognition as well.”

Horgan took over permanently in the summer having guided his side to the play-off semi-final last season during his interim spell. And he sees more signs of progress.

Horgan said: “It has been a combination of all the hard work across the last year really. People have really bought into that and worked really hard trying to implement what we have been trying to do and as the season has gone on that is clear to see. 

“We have improved as individuals and more importantly as a collective base as we have gone on.”