CHARLIE Austin has paid tribute to Billy Paynter after the big front man agreed a move to Championship side Leeds.

The duo formed a potent strikeforce for Town in 2009/10, hitting the net 49 times between them in all competitions, but the partnership will be broken up on July 1 when Paynter switches to Elland Road.

While the ex-Poole Town man attributes his success in Wiltshire so far to many figures at the County Ground, he revealed that Paynter had played a significant part in his development.

“Working alongside Billy up front, I can only learn things off him,” said the 20-year-old.

“He’s a great professional and if I can do half of what Billy’s done then I will have a good career.

“It was a surprise how quickly we clicked. We played in a reserve game at Reading and just hit it off straight away, both scoring two.

“Bill went and played against Tranmere the next week and then the gaffer gave me a chance against Carlisle soon after.

“I can still remember when I scored. The rest of the game is a blur, but everything about the goal and that 10 seconds when the ball hit the back of the net is still fresh in the memory.”

The youngster was keen to point out that there were others, though, that he owed a debt of gratitude to for his terrific first campaign with Town.

“I don’t think I can single out one person in particular who has helped me more than anyone else, because there have been a lot of influences,” said Austin.

“I’ve helped Swindon but they’ve also helped me just as much - the coaching staff, players and everyone else have been great and I hope I’ve repaid them with my performances on the pitch.”

n CHIPPENHAM Town boss Adie Mings has snapped up Swindon Supermarine striker Ash Edenborough.

The 24-year-old is one of two new faces at Hardenhuish Park, the other being attacking midfielder Mike Perrott, who has recently arrived from Bath City.