ENGLAND and Aston Villa defender Tyrone Mings watched his two old clubs Yate Town and Chippenham Town go head-to-head in a pre-season friendly on Monday.

Mings, who played for Yate in the 2011-2012 season, was in attendance as Chippenham beat Yate 1-0 on Monday evening.

He was on hand to sign autographs and pose for pictures with the mascots. 

Gazette Series: Tyrone Mings poses for a picture with the Yate Town shirtTyrone Mings poses for a picture with the Yate Town shirt (Image: Yate Town)

Gazette Series: Tyrone Mings takes pictures with the mascots ahead of the gameTyrone Mings takes pictures with the mascots ahead of the game (Image: Yate Town)

Yate was Mings' first senior club after being released from Southampton's academy set-up. He trialled with Eastleigh but did not earn himself a contract so moved to non-league football with Yate.

He spent a season with the club before a move to Chippenham in the summer of 2012, where he spent a couple of months before joining Ipswich Town in December. 

Mings has gone on to captain Premier League side Aston Villa, as well as earning 18 caps for England. 

And before the season begins for Villa, Mings took a trip back to where it all started for him at Yate. He watched on as The Bluebells conceded in the 75th minute to lose the game 1-0.

It was Yate's third game of pre-season after a 2-2 draw with Mangotsfield United on Saturday followed their 3-0 win over Chipping Sodbury.

The Bluebells have also been busy in the transfer market in recent days. They announced the signing of Andre Freckleton on Tuesday evening after impressing on trial in the opening two matches. 

He joins the likes of Kafi Ibrahim, Dylan Lewis and Sam Pashen in signing on for the new campaign that kicks off in just a couple of weeks. 

Yate will play in the Southern League Division One South in 23-24 after being relegated from Step 3 last season.

The fixture lists are likely to be revealed later this week but Yate already know who they will be playing in the extra preliminary round of the FA Cup on August 5 and that is away to one of either Hartpury University or Holyport FC.

The draw for the FA Trophy has also been made and Yate have a home tie against Tavistock.