NEWPORT County AFC academy graduate Tom Owen-Evans says he’s looking forward to “enjoying football again” after joining Chippenham Town on loan from Hereford.

The 22-year-old midfielder was the Bulls leading scorer last season with 11 goals and he also chipped in with nine assists in 31 league appearances.

But he’s struggled to find the same form this season and has been in and out of Russell Slade’s side, who are 13th in National League North.

Owen-Evans completed his loan move to National League South side Chippenham earlier this week and at the same time he made it clear that he hasn’t been happy at Edgar Street.

Writing on Twitter, he said: “Excited to have joined Chippenham Town on loan. Looking forward to enjoying my football again for the first time in a long time.”

Owen-Evans made his Chippenham debut on Tuesday night, playing alongside County loan star Jay Foulston and former Exiles Kieran Parselle and Chris Zebroski in a 0-0 draw at Maidstone United.

Curtis McDonald, who had a brief spell at Spytty Park in the 2010-2011 season, is also on the Bluebirds books but he was an unused substitute on Tuesday.

Chippenham manager Mark Collier said: “Tom joins us at a very busy and important part of the season.

“With Elias Yousseff awaiting a three-match ban, it was imperative we covered that area of the pitch.

“Tom is of proven quality and will add competition for places.”

South Wales Argus:

Owen-Evans made his County debut aged 18 in April 2015 and he played 61 times for the club, scoring one goal – the crucial winner at Exeter City as part of the Great Escape from relegation in 2017.

His last appearance for the Exiles came on New Year’s Day 2018, also against Exeter, before he moved on to Falkirk that summer.

Things did not go to plan in Scotland with Owen-Evans making just seven appearances before he was released in October 2018 and joined Hereford, initially on non-contact terms and then on an 18-month deal in January this year.

Former County stalwart Tim Harris was Hereford’s head of football at the time and he told the club’s official website: “Tom has come in and done extremely well both on the pitch and with his attitude in training and in the dressing room.

“His ability has been there for all to see, and he has chipped in with a couple of valuable goals.

“After arriving on non-contract terms I am delighted that we have been able to make his stay more permanent.

“He is really enjoying his time here and we are delighted with what he has brought to the squad.

“I am sure Tom will continue to impress out on the pitch and we look forward to seeing what the coming 18 months have in store for him.”

Marc Richards was sacked as Hereford’s head coach three games into this season and Harris took interim charge before Slade was announced as the club's new manager at the end of August.

Owen-Evans has struggled for game-time since Slade’s arrival and Harris left the club at the end of November.

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