SUPERMARINE manager Dave Webb is wary that his players could be targeted by neighbouring Hungerford this summer as he aims to keep his squad together.

Plenty have made the jump from the Webb’s Wood Stadium to Bulpit Lane in the past and Hungerford’s promotion to the Southern Premier - not to mention a budget that eclipses that of the Swindon side - makes them an attractive proposition.

Webb knows the Crusaders will want to strengthen for 2013/14 and is hoping that if his players are chased by the Berkshire club, they will rebuff the advance.

“Hungerford will have to improve their squad as they have gained promotion to a much tougher league. That might come from players around the area,” said Webb.

“If you look at some of the players that did well there this season, a lot of them are ex-Supermarine, the likes of Mark Draycott, Gary Horgan and Sean Wood.

“I’m hoping that the players that were with us will show loyalty, but players will do what players want to do.

“It depends what they want. Are they prepared to wait or do they want to move? Hopefully they will want to stay with us because they enjoy the way we do things.”

Webb is hoping to meet with chairman Jez Webb this week in order to discuss whether he will remain as manager for next season - a widely-assumed formality - and the pressing issue of the budget for the upcoming campaign.

“I can’t really start talking to players or existing squad members until we’ve done that,” said Webb.

“I want to be far more organised then last year, I don’t want to be waiting until August before I know if players are going to sign on.”

Setting up pre-season friendlies is on the agenda for Supermarine at present with Gloucester City on Saturday, July 27 (3pm) the only firmed-up date so far.

Webb formerly played for the Tigers between 1990 and 1999, making 225 appearances and scoring 36 goals.