BUDGET-LESS Romsey Town have lost three key players to clubs tipped to challenge for the Sydenhams Premier title this term.

James Embree has joined promotion-hungry Winchester City, while Ashley Johnson is among a host of summer arrivals at Blackfield & Langley.

And, having cut his ties with parent club Eastleigh, goalkeeper Freddie Toomer has signed for last season’s Wessex runners-up Bemerton Heath Harlequins.

Without money to pay players squad losses were always on the cards, but Romsey boss Wayne Mew says it could have been worse.

Simon De’Ath, Town’s top scorer last season, had tempting offers to leave as did brothers Ryan and Jake Long and Ross Gregory.

But all four turned down the chance of a weekly wage and a signing-on fee in favour of staying put at the Bypass Ground.

“That loyalty is really pleasing. It shows that, even without money, there’s still a lot to enjoy at Romsey,” said Mew.

Steve Hollick, goalkeeping coach with Totton & Eling last season, will fill the void left by Toomer.

Mew has also signed young midfielder Luke Dempsey from Sholing and Callum Stanley, a striker/wideman formerly with New Milton.

Frontman Ben White, on Alton Town’s books last term, is also in training with Romsey but has yet to put pen to paper.

*The demise of Andover FC has left Romsey without a pre-season friendly on Saturday, August 6.

The pitch and officials have been booked at the Bypass Ground, now all they need is opposition.

“It’s the week before the season starts, so we could really do with a game,” said manager Mew.