CHRISTCHURCH boss Ollie Cherrett insisted there would be no hard feelings over Hamworthy United expressing an interest in defensive duo Chris Senior and Ross Lloyd.

Hammers manager Carl Poore admitted he had enquired about the availability of both players before realising they had committed their respective futures to Priory.

Cherrett told the Daily Echo: "All of the managers in the Wessex will be talking to the same players.

"From our point of view, we believe we can attract the ones we want by inviting them into what will hopefully be a successful side.

"We are dangling the carrot of winning games on a regular basis. I don't see Verwood, Poppies or Hamworthy winning the Premier Division. They will have their own targets and Carl has signed some great players."

On retaining the duo, Cherrett added: "Chris confirmed he would be staying with us. That's done and dusted, we have made him first-team captain and he will have a massive part to play for us.

"As for Ross, he may have issues with availability here and there but thankfully, we have the flexibility of having a decent-sized squad.

"I don't think the new pitch over at Hamworthy would have helped him at his age. It can take a toll on your knees and ankles week after week."