STAND manager Nick Davis has hit back at the critics who say the club have bought success.

It is a widely held belief around the North West Counties League that Stand pay over the odds for their players but Davis says that isn't the case.

"There are three players who I'd say are getting more than they should for this league.

"But the things I've heard - that we are paying more than £1,000 a week in wages - are way off the mark."

"I tried to sign a player from another Division Two side at the beginning of the season but when he told me what he was earning I couldn't match it."

Meanwhile, Davis has left the door open for Micky Bartholomew to return to the club as first team coach next season.

Davis, who hopes to take his NWCL Second Division charges into the First Division this season, was resigned to losing the player after both Nelson and Bacup came in for him.

"He told me he would have loved to stay but he needed to get regular football," said Davis. "He is 36 and he wants to keep playing for as long as he can.

"But I told him I'd like him to come back as my coach next season and he seemed interested."

Stand travel to Blackpool tomorrow in a game Davis, who was named the Second Division manager of the month for the thrid successive time this week, wants to win.

"If we win that we'll have beaten all the top teams away from home this season," said Davis, whose team are nine points clear at the top.

"We are looking at the First Division now."

Steve Carroll is suspended , but will be back next week, and Alan Dixon is out of the side with a groin strain.

"I am having to do the rotation bit which isn't very nice, but is necessary when you want to keep everybody happy," said Davis.

"I have 14 top players now. It was 15 but Micky has now gone."