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Adie Mings believes the capture of Cortez Belle would be a major signing for Chippenham Town as he aims to plug the gap left by Matthew McEntegart.

The Bluebirds face stiff competition from five Blue Square South sides for the 6ft 4in Belle and boss Mings knows he needs to act fast after centre-back McEntegart left on Tuesday for Welling United.

"Cortez would be a massive coup," said Mings after Belle, who can play up front or in defence, impressed in the 1-0 home defeat to Cardiff on Tuesday.

"All the big clubs who have aspirations to do well have to go out and get the quality of player that is needed to win the league.

"When he gets going he will be a big player for us, if we can keep him.

"He likes what he sees and has had some big offers from some big clubs but he has been here nearly three weeks."

Former Halifax and Newport man Belle, who has European experience with Llanelli, would be an ideal replacement for McEntegart, whose departure to the Blue Square South outfit surprised Mings.

"He was all set to sign here, he has his contract ready and everything," he said.

"He was happy here and liked what we were doing at Chippenham."

If he does sign, 24-year-old Belle could be joined by former Swindon Town trainee Alex Rigley, who played in the Bluebirds' Cardiff defeat.

Rigley and the rest of the Hardenhuish Park trialists could get a final chance to impress in Saturday's showpiece home friendly with the Robins (3pm).

"Alex wants to get his head down and wants to be part of what we are doing here," added Mings.

"Decisions have to be made by this time next week because you have to start getting quality work done in training."

10:02am Thursday 24th July 2008

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