SENSIBLE Phil Simkin has refused to enter into a war of words with counterpart Graham Kemp ahead of tomorrow’s grudge match.

Simkin’s Hamworthy United visit Kemp’s Christchurch in the Wessex Premier Division, just weeks after the straight-talking pair publicly exchanged comments following the corresponding fixture at the County Ground.

Kemp was highly critical of the pitch and Hamworthy’s tactics after his team were beaten 1-0 on December 20, which sparked a reaction from Simkin.

But, this time, Simkin is keen for his players to do the talking in what he believes promises to be a difficult match, with both teams arguably much improved on last season.

“I didn’t have a public argument with him (Kemp), I just answered his criticism,” said Simkin, whose Hammers team sit just one place below Priory in mid-table.

“It’s of no interest to me at all what he says and it has no bearing on the game.

“It’s going to be a difficult game. He (Kemp) has put together a decent side and I’d prefer to let the players do the talking.

“I don’t want to get involved in that. I come from a level of football where managers respect each other.”

Kemp himself is also embracing the season of goodwill.

He said: “I’m hoping it’s all died down, with the New Year and all that.”

But the Priory boss is standing by his original comments, which he insists were not meant as a personal criticism towards any individual.

“I said what I felt at the time about the game and I thought it was a poor game,” he told the Echo.

“I still believe I didn’t say anything personal about anyone. My main criticism was about their style of play and the pitch being awful, and I stand by that.

“It was certainly not a personal criticism of any one person, it’s just not the style of football I’d like to be involved with.

“I’m entitled to my opinion on that.”

The game has been given added spice after news emerged that Christchurch’s star striker Russell Cook is the subject of a seven-day notice of approach from Hamworthy.

Simkin expects to hold talks with the young prospect this weekend, while Kemp believes the player will stay at Hurn Bridge.

Kemp will be missing frontman Mark Burrows (illness) and the suspended Adam Wiltshire for tomorrow’s clash.

Hammers could have to make do without the services of a key quartet, with Tim Constable injured, Rich McCabe suspended and captain Nathan Walker unavailable. Ryan Dovell is doubtful because of illness.

Christchurch: (from) Kearn, Linpow, Taylor, Crutchley, Dillon, Lawrence, Smith, Green, Osborne, Cook, Rideout, Barnes, Dand, Manning, Peck, Longman.

Hamworthy United: (from) Peters, Gilbert, Cherrett, Horlock, White, Crow, Lockyer, Dancer, Jackson, Dovell, Byerley, Cannie, Jeffes, Vavrecka, Claremont, Lanahan.