RAMSBOTTOM boss Andy Grimshaw has revealed his frustration at being unable to hold on to his top players.

Greg Brickell signed off with hat-trick against Shotton Comrades in the FA Vase last week, but two days later was on his way to Woodley Sports.

The striker had hammered 10 goals for United after being snapped up from an unsuccessful pre-season at Stalybridge Celtic in the summer.

And with Mossley putting in seven days notice for Gareth Gardner, Grimshaw could be set to lose another key player.

He said: "It's frustrating, but what can I do? The lads are going for silly money.

"I can offer them a good, professional set-up here and deal with them in the right way, be straight with them, but if there's an extra dollar to be had they'll go for it.

"It surprises me sometimes. We're not paying the lowest money in the league by any means, but you have to be realistic. Are these players good enough to demand the type of money they get at other clubs? I doubt it.

"If Greg had stayed with us I'd have expected him to be in the Conference or the UniBond soon anyway. He's not a team player but he certainly gets the goals for you."

Forward Anthony Hargreaves has come the other way and joined Ramsbottom from Woodley but Grimshaw is still searching a striker to replace Brickell.

The manager added; "I'm looking to bring in a quality striker but I can't just bring players in for the sake of it.

"I've been in Bristol all this week and will be again next week working so I've only been home at weekends. But next week I'll be making some approaches."

The Rams are at home in North West Counties League Division One tomorrow against Salford City, another club that has attempted to raid the United squad.

"Their manager Will Cox has tried to pinch some of my players already so it will be interesting," added Grimshaw.

Iain Dyson, who missed the midweek draw at Warrington and the Vase victory over Shotton because of his wedding, is back in the side, but Danny Goodhall is away.