BOSS Paul Collicutt admits he faces a fight to retain Evesham United’s prized assets after top scorer Adam Mann “doubled his money” by joining Swindon Supermarine.

The 24-goal striker is to sign for United’s play-off conquerors with Supermarine understood to have shown an interest in two more Robins.

Collicutt says Hereford, Bath City, Gloucester City, Salisbury and Cirencester Town are among the others considering swoops for Evesham’s top talent, prompting concerns over competing with their financial clout.

“Our biggest problem could be keeping what we have more so than bringing in what we want,” said Collicutt.

“So many of the players are being sniffed around. In fact, I think pretty much every one of my lads has been tapped up somewhere along the line.

“I can see us losing a few players, we just cannot match the money. When offers come in from teams playing at higher levels it presents great difficulty.

“I would like to retain most of my squad because I genuinely believe in the lads. I have spoken to a few and have got positive vibes from the majority, the next week or so will be a busy time.

“You have to take these things on the nose. We have some good players at Evesham and that means other teams will be interested.

“Manny going is a slap in the face, I am bitterly disappointed but wish him all the best. It is difficult to stop a player who wants to go up a level.

“He has doubled his money and it is hard to compete with any team that is prepared to do that. It would have been very difficult for him to turn down.

“When he came to us he wasn’t in a particularly good place with his football. He has played with a smile on his face here and is currently the fittest I have seen him.

“It would have been nice to see him carry that into a new season because he would admit himself, he has sometimes struggled at the start of seasons.

“From around Christmas and January time he shed some weight. Had he been in that kind of form all season who knows how the season might have turned out.”