ECCLESHILL United boss Sean Regan accepts that some of his players will be courted by other clubs in the close season – but remains hopeful they will stay with the Eagles.

The campaign finished a week early for United and the rest of the Toolstation Northern Counties East Division One clubs, brought about by the demise of Lincoln Moorlands Railway, who dropped out of the league in the latter stages.

Now Regan is ready for interest in his players to rise, not just from their rivals but clubs from higher levels of the non-league ladder.

The Eagles manager said: “I don’t just expect some of my players being the target of approaches from other clubs, I can guarantee they will be.

“There has been interest in some of them, a lot of them, for the last few months. Clubs from the division above in our league and even clubs from higher steps on the pyramid have been watching them.

“It’s not surprising because you can’t score as many goals as Luke Harrop has without creating a bit of a stir. You can’t be as consistent and influential as some of the lads who have done so well for the club since I have been manager and not be recognised.”

The boss is determined to keep his squad intact and build on their encouraging end to the season.

He said: “I have spoken to the players and they have all told me that they are happy to stay.

“Players enjoy playing for a club that they feel they belong to and Eccy is one of those clubs. It is very well run by the best people you could hope to meet and it’s welcoming and friendly.

“Under Adrian (Benson, chairman) the club has recovered from a downward spiral and he has good plans and is investing in the future.

"The players respond to all that and they enjoy coming in and why not? It’s a happy place at the moment.”