Herne Bay boss Simon Halsey claims Ryman League rivals Faversham Town have been trying to sign all his players.

Defender Jamie Maxted and striker Luke Harvey agreed to join the Lilywhites this week and more could follow.

Halsey said: "Every one of my players must have had a call from Faversham – they’re still after more.

"I find it sad that they can’t build a side of their own and instead try to take someone else’s.

"I shook hands on an agreement with Jamie Maxted three weeks ago.

"I’m disappointed he’s changed his mind and decided to go, but that’s down to him.

"It’s a shame because we gave him a chance here and he played a lot of football. Luke only scored a couple of goals last season, yet we still won the league, so I think we’ll be okay without him."

The moves will be completed when Faversham report for pre-season training on Saturday.

Town boss Ray Turner understands Halsey’s frustration, but his conscience is clear. He said: "I suppose my name will be mud with Simon, but I didn’t actually chase either of them – they both came to me."

Midfielder Michael Jenner has also left Herne Bay, joining Hollands & Blair in the Kent Invicta League, but Halsey will build a new squad.

He said: "The players who have left are history now. I started here with nothing and I’ll do it again. I’m a coach as well as a manager, so building again doesn’t worry me."

Winger Byron Walker, a star of Bay’s Kent League title triumph, will be at training as talks over his future continue.

Halsey added: "We’ll have another chat on Saturday and see how we go. He’s a great footballer and a great lad as well.

"We’ve had a close connection since I took him from Erith & Belvedere, where he wasn’t doing much. I’m doing my best to keep him at the club. If I succeed, great. If not, we’ll move on and find somebody else."