GARY OWERS took advantage of a free Saturday to run the rule over Chippenham Town's star striking duo James Constable and Dave Gilroy as speculation mounted over his next transfer target following the mutual cancellation of striker Ian Foster's contract.

The Forest Green boss was one of a number of eager scouts at Chippenham's Hardenhuish ground who were all casting their eyes over Constable and former Forest Green loan player Gilroy.

The Bluebirds managed by former Forest Green youth team manager and current Academy coach Darren Perrin watched his Southern Premier minnows hold Conference South Worcester City to a 1-1 draw in the FA Cup first round.

With the transfer window due to open in January, Owers declined to be drawn on his transfer targets, but admitted he regarded the pair highly.

"I played with Dave Gilroy when he came to Forest Green from Bristol Rovers, he is a good player as is James Constable."

Gilroy spent a brief loan spell with Forest Green under Colin Addison but his career blossomed at Weston before his subsequent move to the Bluebirds. Constable, a former Cirencester Academy youngster has been training at Bristol City and Swindon Town.

He is also attracting interest from Swansea City and Paul Merson's Walsall.

Meanwhile, Owers refused to comment on Foster's departure, but Forest Green issued a statement that said: "Forest Green announce that an agreement has been reached between Ian Foster and the club to terminate his playing contract by mutual consent due to long term injury."

Foster, 29, joined Forest Green from Kidderminster last summer, but a knee injury that required surgery, prevented him from playing any part in pre-season or the Conference campaign.

His departure mirrors the injury woes that forced Forest Green to mutually agree to cancel the contracts of Andy Thomson and Simon Bryant and Andy Rammell who tore up his own contract after breaking down in pre-season training under former Forest Green boss Tim Harris.

Canvey Island travel to The Lawn on Saturday with Owers demanding his side step up to the plate and deliver a solid performance following a spirited 1-1 draw at Dagenham & Redbridge.

He said: "We need to kick-on from Dagenham and we are due a decent 90 minutes from the whole team."

Midfielder Ryan Harley, who excelled on his debut at Dagenham is set for his home debut after signing on a month's loan from Gary Johnson's Bristol City.

Meanwhile, Zema Abbey and Scott Rendell have shaken off their injuries and will come into contention.

FOREST GREEN will be operating the Quid a Kid initiative on Saturday, December 3 for the Conference home clash with Burton Albion. Children under 16 will qualify to enter through the terrace turnstile for just £1.

If you require any more information please contact the club on 01453 834860. Children entering through The Trevor Horsley Stand will not qualify.