BRIDPORT manager Adam Fricker downplayed the chances of luring Street players to St Mary’s Field in light of the Cobblers’ self-induced relegation from Evo-Stik Southern Division One South.

In a statement last week, the Somerset side referenced a paucity of volunteers to fulfil roles at the club and admitted they were unable to “cope with the demands of Southern League football”.

Bridport lost three players to the Cobblers last summer with Ed Butcher, Leigh Bailey and Oscar Latas all linking up with the Toolstation Western League Premier Division champions on dual terms.

However, Butcher has already returned permanently to plunder 12 goals in 11 appearances, while Latas came back to score seven times in 17 games for the Bees.

Centre-back Bailey, who had secured a regular spot in the Street line-up, was unable to play for Street on consecutive Saturdays in April and started for Bridport in their 3-3 draw at Cribbs last week.

Commenting on the situation, Fricker told the Bridport News: “Because of (Bailey’s) work commitments he can’t play for Street on Saturday.

“He contacted me and asked if we could give him any minutes (at Cribbs) which we were more than happy to do – it worked for us.

“For us it’s been a very up and down season with regards to players coming in, coming out.

“My focus is to finish the season on a high like we’re doing at the moment and put good performances in.

“We’ll take stock at the end of April when it’s all done and dusted and go from there, not focusing too much on where we’re at for the following year.”

Discussing clubs circling around Street’s players, Fricker suggested his squad would also be in demand.

He said: “There were a few managers at (Cribbs) and no doubt there’ll be a few sniffing around ours if they perform like they do on a regular basis.

“It’s part and parcel of football. Players come and go and I’m sure Richard Fay (ex-Street manager) will pop up somewhere and he’ll be looking to get some of those lads on board with him.

“No-one knows the Street situation and what league they’re going to end up in as yet – I think that will have a big bearing on what happens to (the players) to be honest.