BOSS Ollie Cherrett insisted coveted pair Luke Stone and Chris Senior would be staying put with Christchurch despite interest from a higher level.

Prolific marksman Stone was wanted by Sydenhams Wessex Premier outfit Poppies, while Priory captain Senior was the subject of an approach from Bashley.

But Cherrett was adamant the influential duo had assured him they had no plans to leave the Wessex One promotion hopefuls.

Stone bagged his ninth goal of the season to earn Christchurch a 1-0 win at Hythe & Dibden on Saturday, while Senior donned the skipper’s armband at Clayfields.

Cherrett, who presided over a third win in eight days on the Waterside, told the Daily Echo: “Luke is very happy where he is. He is enjoying his football and that’s a massive thing for him.

“He has told us he is not interested in going to Poppies. He is committed to us and we are overjoyed to keep him.

“He is a big part of what we do. He is an out-and-out goalscorer and we are going to need him and his goals if we are going to push up the table and get promoted.

“Luke is 100 per cent staying with us and is fully committed. We are looking forward to another good season with him leading our attack.

“Bashley lodged a seven-day approach for Chris and made him an offer. He has given me his word that he will be with us for the rest of the season.

“He is our captain and our leader. He is also fully committed to the lads and the club and has bought in to the project. The lads appreciate everything he does, on and off the pitch, and he is staying as well.”

Cherrett added: “We are looking to add to the squad if the right players become available. We are not looking to lose anybody and no players are looking to leave. We are really happy with our squad and are aiming to go forward not backwards.”