GREAT Harwood boss Denis Underwood is disappointed at losing the services of midfielder Andy Taylor -- but accepts it as part of life in non-League football.

Taylor was influential in helping the North West Counties Division One side avoid the drop last season but the 30-year-old has returned to his old hunting ground at rivals Clitheroe.

"Andy was at Clitheroe with me when we went to Wembley and last season he came to Harwood," said Underwood. "We obviously did not have a good season and they did brilliantly, so at 30 I think he just wants to give it another go.

"If it doesn't work out he knows where we are. He is always welcome back here."

The Harwood boss has managed to re-sign a number of his players who did so well at the end of last season to save the Showground side from relegation.

Steve Pickup, James Coonan, Neil Baron, Neil Otley, Damien McKay, Shaun Burnsell and Andy Clarkson have put pen to paper and Underwood is waiting on a number of others to return from holiday to secure their services.

"Andy Clarkson looked fit in training and that is a huge bonus considering the injuries he had last season.

"Having Andy back fit will in some ways counteract the loss of the other Andy and I have had one or two players down training who I may sign to add more strength to the squad."

The former goalkeeper has also signed himself back on -- just in case.

"I can always put myself as third substitute and pray I don't have to play if we are short," laughed the manager.

Harwood have a number of pre-season friendlies. They face Colne on Wednesday July 25, Padiham on August 2, Castleton Gabriels (August 7), Bacup (August 11) and make the short trip to Accrington Stanley on August 14.

"We will be back at the Showground for most of our friendlies," said Underwood, after his side were forced to play most of their games at the back end of the season at Stanley because of the foot-and-mouth outbreak.