NESTL ROWNTREE boss Jim Collis has slammed higher tier clubs for luring his players away and leaving him with a decimated squad prior to the new season.

Rowntrees go into the West Yorkshire League campaign looking to regain the title from Carlton but are set to start the season having seen at least four star players move on.

"Some people in the Northern Counties East League think the only reason I am building a team here is so they can just come in and entice them away," he said.

"I don't want to cause problems for the simple reason I'm not bothered, but if I wanted to sign someone I would go for them openly."

He added: "If I have anybody here who I know could go into a higher standard of football I help get them away but the only thing better in the NCEL are the grounds."

Mark Watkinson has joined Harrogate Railway and Gavin Dickinson Pickering Town, while Matty Wain has reportedly signed for Selby Town and Steve Hadden for UniBond League side Whitby.

"I had no proper approach from some clubs and another thing that annoys me is the manner in which some players leave - I think they should have the decency to let me know at the end of the season so I have time to prepare."

Collis, however, still believes he has a team capable of winning back the title and he has boosted his squad by signing York RI players Lee Bond and Colin Rayner. And although a number of players will be unavailable, Scott Barley returns from a long suspension and Neil Durkin from a long-term injury.

"At the moment we've got a few things to sort out but if we can get off to a good start and maybe bring in a couple more players I can see no reason why we can't win the league," he said.

"When we get going we should have 15 quality players, and possibly a stronger squad than last year."

Rowntrees open their account with a home game against Pudsey, while elsewhere Knaresborough Town begin their season by entertaining Nostell Miners Welfare and Wetherby Athletic play host to Beeston St Anthony's.

Nestl Rowntree: from Smallwood, Cox, Dewhirst, Hodson, Simpson, Bond, Durkin, Barley, Rayner, Terry, Ward, J Gore, AN Other, SO Else. Meet 1.30 at Mille Crux, kick off 2.30.)

York RI endured a bad time of it last year which culminated in their relegation from the West Yorkshire League premier division to division one.

However, they are hoping for a brighter future with former player Paul Clamp being appointed new boss, his first management role in senior football.

They kick off their campaign at home to Rothwell Town, while Tadcaster Magnet Sports visit Robin Hood Athletic.

Updated: 12:05 Friday, August 17, 2001