Whyteleafe have lost four big names to Ryman Division One South rivals as the club returns to pre-season training.

Moreover, while boss John Fowler is running the rule over a host of prospective players on the training pitch, he is yet to sign anyone.

However, he remains confident that will change as summer targets find out that the grass is not always greener on the otherside.

In the meantime, Fowler revealed that Greg Andrews, Bentley Graham and Alex Penfold have joined Carshalton Athletic, and Sol Patterson-Bonher has become a Terror at Tooting & Mitcham United.

And although Fowler is yet to sign anyone, he has retained the services of last season's leading goal-scorer Roscoe DSane.

He said: "We've lost a few personnel, which was to be expected.

"It was easier last year because we'd come out of the Southern Counties League into the Ryman, but after they had a good season their demands are a bit higher.

"I could not meet some of the demands, and they were offered better money elsewhere - but that was always going to be the case."

Whyteleafe boss reveals new role for Thompson at Church Road

He added: "But we have retained the majority of the squad, and we have players training with us that we're looking at.

"Some of our targets are trying their hand at other clubs who are offering more money, but I know in a few weeks when it doesn't work out for some of them, they will be on the phone to me asking if they can come down, so I am relaxed about the situation.”

He added: "Unfortunately at Whyteleafe we're not in a position to offer ridiculous money - we're realistic about who we can bring in and who we can afford."

Whyteleafe kick-off their pre-season schedule on July 7 when Tonbridge Angels are the visitors to Church Road.