OPPOSITION FOCUS | Chippenham Town (A)

Written by Ollie Heathcote

The Key Info

Founded: 1873

Nickname: The Bluebirds

Manager: Gary Horgan

Stadium: Hardenhuish Park 

Capacity: 3000

The History

Founded in 1873, Chippenham Town began their endeavour into competitive football when they became founding members of the Wiltshire League. Shortly after, the Bluebirds spent a short period of time in the Western League before withdrawing in 1906. After finding success in the Wiltshire League, the club re-joined the Western League in 1930, where they saw greater success. They won the league in 1952, which also saw them reach the FA Cup First Round for the first time. The turn of the millennium saw the Bluebirds experience defeat at Wembley in an FA Vase Final defeat, which gave Chippenham the motivation to achieve back-to-back promotions to the Southern League Premier Division. They were able to become an established side in this division, spending 15 years in the division before their promotion was announced in the 2016/17 season. Since 2017, the Bluebirds have become an established side in the National League South, proving their ability to compete with tough outfits in the league. Their best finish was the 2021/22 season, where Chippenham reached the Playoff Semi Final. Last season they finished in a respectable 14th place, which they will set their sights on bettering this time around

The Manager: Gary Horgan

Gary Horgan is a familiar name to people associated with Chippenham Town, representing the Bluebirds as both a player and manager. His first experience of Chippenham Town came in the 2015/16 season, where he joined the club. Since then, he has become a member of the Bluebirds’ coaching staff since the 2017/18 season, before taking up the managerial role in 2021. His leadership has developed throughout his time at the club, leading Chippenham to a playoff push in the 2021/22 season, before most recently finishing 14th in a competitive 2024/25 season. He will look to push the Bluebirds away from the relegation places, with Chippenham currently sat in 22nd.

The Skipper: Luke Haines

Following the departure of last season’s captain Matt McClure, Luke Haines has been given the responsibility of leading the Bluebirds this campaign. Having represented the club during the 2019/20 season on a one season loan deal from Swindon Town, Haines re-joined Chippenham from Hereford - the team who the Tudors most recently overcame in the FA Cup, with a 0-3 victory at Edgar Street. Joining the Bluebirds in the 2023/24 season, Haines has shown his reliability as a centre back.

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Ones to Watch:

Name: Tom Owen-Evans

Joined: May 2023

Position: Midfielder

In the opening stages of this season, Tom Owen-Evans has showcased his consistency, scoring 2 goals in 9 games, whilst also accumulating over 700 minutes of football played this season. Joining the Bluebirds from Kidderminster Harriers in 2023, Owen-Evans has been called upon in many situations, with his most recent goal helping to salvage a point at home to in-form Hampton & Richmond.

Name: Quevin Castro

Joined: July 2025

Position: Attacking Midfielder

Whilst minutes have been hard to come by for Quevin Castro this season, his experiences playing in the National League with York City and Notts County saw glimpses of quality from the Portuguese. Developing through the youth ranks at Chelsea and West Brom, Castro has shown moments of quality during his career, with an accurate shooting arsenal alongside his ability to score from dead-ball situations. Having moved to the Bluebirds, Castro will look to find some consistency, which can help him to unleash his quality.

Name: Ethan Vaughan

Joined: June 2025

Position: Left Back

Joining Chippenham at the beginning of this season, Gary Horgan has shown faith in Ethan Vaughan, who has repaid his trust with consistent performances as a left back. At just 22 years old, Vaughan has picked up 2 caps for Wales at Under 16 level, whilst also accumulating almost 800 minutes of football played this season. Whilst statistics might not be a true reflection of Vaughan’s quality, he has made left back a position of his own. He will be looking to work with his fellow backline to deny the Tudors from breaking through their line.