PETER JACKSON today warned would-be raiders they will have to pay through the nose to capture any of Town's talented young squad.
The Galpharm boss - who includes Lee Fowler in a second-string side at AFC Emley tonight (7.00) - admits he's surprised not to have had any major inquiries, especially with the new transfer window closing on August 31.
The likes of Nathan Clarke, Tom Clarke and David Mirfin came to national attention last season, while Pawel Abbott's goals have also put him in the shop window.
But Jackson confirmed today: "We are not in a position where we have to sell, so it would take a very, very big bid for any of our talented young players to be lured away.
"I'm not worried about it happening because the lads are all on long-term contracts and I know they are all really happy here.
"I keep having to say this, but I have had no contact whatsoever from any Premiership clubs or managers about my young players.
"That's a surprise, to be honest, considering the amount of top-level scouts who have watched our talented lads over the last six months, but it's a tremendous boost to everyone at the club that we've been able to keep the squad together."
Jackson confirmed he has no plans to add to his 25-strong personnel for the start of the season unless someone moves on.
"The squad is set at 25 and it would need someone to go before I considered bringing anyone else in," he added.
"Ken Davy and Andrew Watson have backed me this summer to bring in Gary Taylor-Fletcher, Martin McIntosh and Mark Hudson and, basically, I am happy with the squad as it is."
While Nathan Clarke was expected to return to full training today, goalkeeper Phil Senior is facing a week of recuperation after a groin injury which required a scan.
"Phil has a slight tear in his groin which, with conservative treatment for a week, we are confident will mend," explained Jackson.
"It sounds very much as if he will be okay for the first match down at Nottingham Forest a week on Saturday, so I'm not looking at this stage to bring anyone else in."
Academy keeper Simon Eastwood plays at the Welfare Ground tonight, where midfield duo Lee Fowler and Adnan Ahmed are expected to play their first full 90 minutes of pre-season.
Coach Martyn Booty is also playing because the Academy have successive games against Blackburn and Bradford City and Jackson is keen to keep everyone as fresh as possible.
"It will be good experience for Simon Eastwood," said the manager.
"He is a keeper we rate highly and this is a nice chance for him to show what he can do alongside senior players.
"I hope Lee and Adnan can get a good 90 minutes and that the team can keep a clean sheet."
Admission tonight is £3 for adults and £1 concessions.
Town: Eastwood, Lloyd, McCombe, Booty, Hardy, Walls, Fowler, Ahmed, Young, McAliskey, Mendes. Subs: Hand, Racchi, Beck, Highley, Biddle.
* Blue and White Foundation Fun Day and more football news - Pages 42 and 43.
