Matt Wyatt won’t attempt to keep anyone who wants to link up with former Sittingbourne joint-bosses Jim and Danny Ward at Whitstable.

The Wards took over at The Belmont on Friday and Brickies joint-boss Wyatt believes they are interested in some of his players.

Wyatt has verbal agreements with the majority of his squad for next season but will understand if players decide to move on.

Ironically, Brickies have completed two new signings from Whitstable – midfielder Oliver Brown, 19, and forward Matt Martin, 21 – but both deals were set up before the Wards’ arrival.

Wyatt said: “I’ve heard Jim’s been in for a few of our players but I honestly don’t know who.

“Our view is simple – we only want hungry people who want to play for Sittingbourne and for me and Nick (Davis, joint-manager). You can never try and force people to stay. If they want to go to Whitstable or Herne Bay or any other club, it’s their prerogative.

“Money talks and heads are turned and if a player turned round and said they wanted to talk to another club, I don’t blame them. It’s a slippery slope if you hold on to people who don’t want to be somewhere because you don’t get the best out of them.

“I don’t want anyone to leave but what can I do? We just have to make sure we have replacements in mind."