WINSFORD United have been rocked by the loss of stalwart defender David German, who has signed for fellow UniBond Premier club Leigh RMI.

The move has come as a blow to manager Mark Came as he assembles players for preparation for the new season.

He said: "David has been honest all along and said that if a club offered him £20 or £30 more a week, he wouldn't take it. But Leigh have offered him the sort of money he couldn't resist.

"He's been loyal by staying with us last year and it would have been nice for him to stay this year, but he can't turn their offer down and I don't blame him.

"It's a blow and a shock but we're confident of replacing him."

German moved to Winsford in 1995 after spells at Halifax and Macclesfield and played more than 200 games for the club in four years.

Replacing him may take time as Came discovers that money talks at non-league level. He is having trouble attracting players to the Blues because of other UniBond clubs snapping up his prime targets.

Northwich Vics midfielder Jamie Webster signed for Rhyl and Eddie Hussin ruled out a return to Barton Stadium by completing a move from Chorley to Marine.

Winsford could pick up a couple of league players, with two lined up to sign from Chester and Tranmere this week.

However, an increased number of players in training over the last seven days, after last week's absentees, has given the boss heart.

"There are a lot of clubs flashing a lot of money around but we'll compete with them on the pitch if we can't compete with the money," said Came.

"There a lot of players at Stalybridge and Droylsden so they will be letting some go. we'll still be able to get a good, attractive team together."

WINSFORD United have confirmed their pre-season friendlies ahead of the 1999-2000.

Tuesday, July 20 Macclesfield T (H, 7.30pm); Friday, July 23 Hull City (H, 7.15pm); Saturday, July 24 Altrincham (H, 3pm); Tuesday, July 27 Middlewich Town (A, 6.40 or 7pm); Thursday, July 29 Salford City (A, 7.30pm); Tuesday, August 23 Ashton United (H, 7.30pm); Thursday, August 5 Vauxhalls (A, 7.30pm).

Corby Town, who the Blues had arranged a friendly with, called off the fixture last week.

Manager Mark Came said: "We're using the games to gel them together and try certain systems.

"In pre-season I'm not bothered about the results it's what we see and where to change things because you don't win anything in pre-season."

MARK Came is still looking for players to join the newly formed Junior Blues under-7s side. He can be contacted on (01606) 553223.

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