Unhappy Band as two more players join rivals United

MOSSLEY joint-manager Peter Band is becoming increasingly irritated by the amount of players he is losing to Tameside neighbours Ashton United.

The Robins — with former Lilywhites boss Steve Halford in joint charge alongside Paul Phillips — have swooped on Seel Park again, this time to sign midfielder Tom Pratt and striker Richard Bennett.

A disappointed Band said: “That’s another two lads gone. Since leaving us for Ashton last summer I think Steve and Paul have taken 15 or 16 players to Hurst Cross.

“No wonder people say we’re a feeder club for them.

“It’s frustrating, but at the same time I suppose I can understand the players involved because they’re getting the chance to play at a higher level (Ashton are in the Evo-Stik Premier Division, while Mossley are in Division One North).

“Until we can get out of this league then it is going to keep happening, and Curzon Ashton have just gone up to the Premier Division, too, so they might come calling.

“It just drives you mad sometimes.”

Band and fellow joint-boss Lloyd Morrison continue to plough on with their pre-season preparations, ahead of Mossley’s opening friendly fixture at home against Stalybridge Celtic tomorrow night.

Steve Foster has been signed as a replacement for the departed Bennett.

Hit-man Foster (31) has played at a decent level of non-league football, most recently with Chorley and Nantwich Town.

Also back training with the club are Andy Keogh, goalkeeper Liam Heginbotham, Darryl Weston and Michael Fish.