Witham Town have issued a stark hands-off warning to rival clubs keen to snare their leading players.

The Spa Road club have already lost their manager Russell Tanner and a host of key first team players, including Nicky Smith, Alan Sampson, Gino Defeo and Kevin Hawes, following the announcement of budget cuts.

Two of the Ryman League division one north club's prize assets - Cody McDonald and Glen Revell - are both under contract at the Ryman League division one north club.

And Witham chairman Tony Last has told other clubs in no uncertain terms that they face a battle if they want to tempt the duo or any more of his players away.

He said: "If we find out that anyone has gone behind our backs we will make sure that they're reported to the FA.

"Cody and Glen are both under contract and we would demand a fee for both of them, should they want to leave.

"Cody has told me he wants to stay with us and Glen isn't going anywhere at the moment because he's injured.

"Cody is a very good player. It was my idea to put him under contract and it is designed to protect the club's interests."

Witham's next game is a trip to play struggling Tilbury in division one north on Tuesday night (7.45pm).

It will mark Ken O'Donnell's first match in charge of the first team, following his appointment as Tanner's successor.