CHAIRMAN of football Adrian Benson has defended the actions of Eccleshill United following a broadside from the manager of a neighbouring club.

The Eagles signed several players in the close season as manager Sean Regan builds a squad for his first full season in charge. Four of those left Albion Sports and their boss Kulwinder Sandhu was not happy.

Benson said: "I had a discussion with Kully and he expressed his – anger, shall we say – so I knew how he felt. But the fact remains that the four players wanted to join our club and they were good players that Sean knew would improve his squad, so he signed them.

"These players didn't sign under duress. No-one held them to ransom. I told Kully that the players are all free agents in the close season and until they report back and you get their signatures, then they're not your players.

"I can understand his disappointment because they are all experienced, proven players and he didn't want to lose them.

"Yet Eccleshill United Football Club has done nothing wrong and we wouldn't ever act unethically."

The row appears to have soured relations between the two clubs but Benson is hoping that Sandhu will calm down and acknowledge that the Eagles have not transgressed.

He also hopes that other senior representatives at Albion do not hold the same view as their manager, who insisted that Eccleshill had lost some good friends over the issue.

Albion Sports chairman Jaj Singh is a former sponsor of the Eagles and the clubs have helped each other out down the years.

Benson said: "We provided assistance and support to Albion when they were applying to join our league and after they had been accepted and we would again.

"It's difficult when you're getting onto the football pyramid and we recognised that and offered advice.

"We have huge respect for Jaj, he's a true gent, and yes, he did kindly sponsor us. We have massive respect for Albion Sports as a club and we wish them all the best.

"I'd like us to get promoted and get Albion back on the calendar as a derby home and away every season because they were always great occasions.

"They are lovely people and we'd welcome them back here as derby games have a great atmosphere."