HULLBRIDGE Sports manager Rob Hodgson says the days of players being snapped up by teams from a higher level are over, after top scorer Luke Hornsley rejected a move to Great Wakering Rovers.

The 28-year-old was approached by the Ryman One North outfit after Dan Trenkel put in a seven-day approach for the player, but that has been rebuffed.

And Hodgson says other clubs should look at Hullbridge’s model of developing players, rather than bringing them in from other teams, with goalkeeper Bobby Mason another player targeted.

“If anybody thinks they can just wave a few quid around and my players will go running, think again,” said Hodgson.

“Bobby Mason was approached in quite an underhand way earlier in the season by a club in our league and now Luke Hornsley has been approached by Wakering and both players have said no.

“The days of players being plucked from Hullbridge are gone and any clubs phoning me will get the same answer.

“We have a fantastic dressing room here and the players are together in their ambitions. We bring through and develop players here and maybe other clubs should look at the Hullbridge model and develop their own.”

In recent years, players including Tom Ranger (Great Wakering), Liam Nash and Perry Dunn (both Aveley) have left but Hodgson, who was appointed manager over the summer, says those who remain can be a success.

“I’m not against any player wanting to get on and we have seen people like Tom Ranger and Liam Nash become a success, but these lads we have here now want that success, but with Hullbridge.”

Hornsley said he was flattered by Wakering’s interest but said he was happy at Hullbridge.

l Basildon United visit FC Romania in the Gordon Brasted Memorial Trophy this evening.