COLNE boss John Lister has issued a 'hands off' warning to clubs after Squires Gate put seven days on winger Ben Callon.

The Holt House boss reacted swiftly to the interest from their NWCL Division Two rivals by saying Colne were looking to build a decent side -- and his players were not there to be 'hand picked'.

He said: " I am in the process of building a very good young side and it is unsettling when teams try to poach players.

"Why on earth would Ben Callon, or any other player for that matter, want to go and play for Squires Gate?

"I cannot for the life in me understand why players would want to go and play for a side who play in the same division and who are no better off than the one they are playing at."

Lister said that he would not stand in the way of players if clubs from higher divisions come in for them or if they were unhappy at Colne.

He added: "If players are to progress to a higher standard then I would welcome this but to go from one club to another in the same division has no meaning.

"I could understand it if players were unhappy or were not getting a game but let me tell you, all the players at Colne are enjoying themselves, we are progressing nicely and anyone who has seen the team play will know we are doing things the right way and going in the right direction.

"The youngsters are part of the club's future and for clubs like ours this is the right way to go about things."

He added: " If clubs think that they are going to come to Colne and hand pick the youngsters from my squad then they had better think again.

"Some of the football we have played this season has been outstanding for a side so young.

The players make mistakes, just like anyone, but they are still learning the game and learning it the right way.

"Unless the club is of a higher standard then they are wasting their time talking to my players.

"My players are happy, the Chairman's happy, the staff are happy and I aim to keep it that way!"

Meanwhile Colne have signed ex-Burnley youth team player Gordon Dugdale and Graham Core from the Lancashire FA Youth side.

Gareth West should make his long awaited league debut in Saturday's home clash against Daisy Hill while Shaun Emmett has returned to training this week but is still short of match fitness.