RADCLIFFE Borough have won their first battle before the season has even begun after manager Bill Prendergast revealed the club has staved off interest in a number of their summer signings.

Promising performances against high-profile clubs during pre-season, the latest coming with a 4-0 win against a Bury XI last Friday, have apparently led to concrete offers for Boro players.

But despite a number of approaches being made to speak with members of the squad, Prendergast confirmed he expects all his players to remain at the club, providing a welcome boost before their Evo-Stik First Division North opener at Brighouse a week on Saturday.

"Team Boro were faced with the inevitable pre-season onslaught from envious eyes, when several of our rapidly developing players were approached following the fantastic showing against teams from higher leagues than ourselves," said Prendergast in a club statement.

"The test of strength of our philosophy to build a squad, coach and progress players in a stable and positive environment won out.

"We are thrilled our players saw the sense in sticking with the club, knowing that when the time is right they will move on with the blessing of all concerned."

It is not clear which players have attracted interest from league scouts, but Prendergast feels his hard work crafting a squad of the right characters as well as quality players has been vindicated.

He added: "The club’s values have been clearly stated to everyone that has joined us and now the players can see we stick to our principles, face the challenges together and do the right and proper thing for both the player and the club.

"The offers proposed to our players will always be communicated to them and both the player and the manager will sit down together and discuss the merits and then make a considered decision.

"All our players will be looked after by the club as their overall wellbeing is essential if we are to support everyone in the correct manner.

"The players fully understand we will support their development as once you are part of Team Boro and its culture, our care and responsibility will stay with them.

"Even if they depart, they will support our progress and carry the message that our club is dedicated to the development of every player and coach."

Prendergast also confirmed the club would not use any underhand tactics to prise players away from other clubs.

"Team Boro have a policy that we never, ever, ever approach another club's players or coaching staff.

"We never, ever, ever will put in a seven-days notice for opposition players as we respect all other clubs.

“It’s hard enough to attract players, only to have them prised away for a few dollars more.

"We look forward to the next stage in Team Boro's progress, as we begin to finish off our preparations before the start of the much anticipated season.

"I am extremely happy with the squad that we have assembled and will continue to work hard with them on the training ground."