NEIL Hards has warned his FA Vase-winning Winchester City side that he wants no repeat of the saga surrounding skipper Danny Smith's departure to Eastleigh.

Not only was Hards peeved that Smith left the City Ground for a non-Conference club, but he was less than impressed to discover that two members of his own management team had helped broker Smith's move to the Sparshatts Stadium.

Hards said: "We don't need to mention names, but Danny had two members of my staff helping and advising him, which I found unacceptable - and I've made my feelings known.

"I've told the players that if anyone wants to leave, I've got no problem with that - as long as they go straight out the door without asking any favours from us. I'm not having Winchester used as a stepping stone. If our own people are helping players to leave this club, it only undermines what we're trying to do.

"One or two of our players are getting a bit carried away after what we achieved last season, thinking the world's their oyster, but we're not having any 'big-time Charlies' at this club. If they think they're bigger than they are, they've got another thing coming. I want a team of hard workers, not poseurs and prima-donnas."

Although City had been bracing themselves for Smith's departure ever since their ground was deemed unfit for promotion from the Wessex League, Hards was stunned to hear he had joined Isthmian Premier neighbours Eastleigh.

The 21-year-old former AFC Bournemouth defender/midfielder had had trials with Conference duo Aldershot and Farnborough and Hards recalled: "Danny said all along that he wanted Conference football and when I asked him what would happen if he didn't get it, he said he'd come back here. Then I find out he's joined Eastleigh with the help of two members of my backroom staff.

"They (the backroom staff) thought I was being kept fully informed, but I wasn't and that's not acceptable.

"But Danny's gone now and I hope he does well. He was a good captain and a good player for Winchester. Eastleigh have got a big asset on their hands."

Four of City's fringe players have also left the club - goalkeepers Ollie Rastall and Darren Crowfoot and defenders Stewart Lang and Steve Waite.

Crowfoot and Waite have joined Wessex League rivals Bemerton in search of regular first-team football, Lang has joined Godalming & Guildford and Rastall has moved to London as a fitness instructor.

Hards's 18-year-old son, Alex, has been brought in as cover for keeper Simon Arthur, following his release from Premiership outfit Pompey.