BROCKENHURST manager Chris Collinge is calling for an end to the bitter war of words which has engulfed his relationship with Wimborne boss Alex Pike recently.

Collinge's plea came after Pike revealed he believes the Magpies have already lost several key players to Brock for next season.

Speaking after last weekend's 3-3 draw with champions Andover, Pike conceded he would be losing a number of his squad over the summer and firmly pointed the finger at Collinge.

He said: "It looks like I've lost the majority of my players to Brockenhurst.

"In the game with the long knives, unfortunately money dictates. If a player has got the ability and talent, and someone is willing to pay for that talent, then I've got no problem with that player moving on.

"I've got nothing against Brockenhurst Football Club whatsoever because the people there are absolutely fantastic. It's just a personal problem I have with the way Chris Collinge is managing his club.

"If Mark Turner, Darren Elmes and Danny Robbins all retire, which is what they have said, and I lose three or four players to Brockenhurst, then I have to rebuild.

"Maybe I've been cruising along with these players over the last two or three years and those players have given me the motivation I need for next season. Maybe it's a blessing in disguise."

However, Collinge vehemently denies Pike's allegations and maintains people are beginning to get fed up with the Alex and Chris merry-go-round.

Collinge has denied any improper negotiations with players.

"At this time of year, players are out to try and get the best deals they can.

"It's easy for them to go back to their clubs and say 'Brock have offered me £50 to join them' to get their club to offer them more money. Rumours are everywhere.

"Last year I signed seven players from Lymington in the pre-season and two during the season and Derek Binns never once criticised me. He only said well done. I respect that.

"I respect what Alex has achieved as a manager because he's got to be the most successful manager in the league at present.

"As far as I'm concerned this is now a personal thing, but I don't want to continue the war of words."