SWINDON Town striker Josh Cooke has turned down the chance to join local Southern League outfit Chippenham Town.

The Town forward was recently recalled from his loan spell at Cheltenham Town after failing to get a start at Whaddon Road.

Bluebirds boss Mark Collier saw an opportunity to give the first-year professional a chance to get some much needed game-time but, with Mark Cooper happy for the striker to head to Hardenhuish Park, Cooke turned down the offer.

“We put in an offer but that is where it ended,” said Collier, who was without a recognised striker for Tuesday night’s draw with Frome Town.

“I think Mark Cooper was happy for Josh to come - I think we have got six or seven games in October - and they were happy for him to play in the FA Cup at the weekend against Bradford.

“We thought it was going to go through, but we found out on Friday that the player turned it down.

“That is his choice, but we were disappointed.

“I thought it would have been a good chance for him to come and get some football.

“We’ve had our injury problems and have had a couple of suspensions and everyone would like a bigger squad but we are mindful that we have a tight-knit squad.

“After this weekend, (Andy) Sandell will definitely play more of a part, we expect Ollie Taylor to be fit, Lee Phillips to be fit and Ashan Holgate completes his suspension.

“The urgency is not there, but if we can find a player who can improve our squad then we will definitely be interested.”