DAVE Webb will take other clubs seeking to steal away his Swindon Supermarine charges as a sign that his team are enjoying a successful season so far.

With eight games done and dusted, Marine are currently third in the Division One South & West table, a point behind second-placed Cinderford Town and five behind league leaders North Leigh, who they beat 2-1 at the Webb’s Wood Stadium last weekend.

Marine have received seven-day approaches for two players this week but as well as hoping that his troops will opt against jumping ship, manager Webb is taking it as a compliment.

“We’ve had two approaches for players. I can’t say who they are but I’m hoping that they want to stay here and not move on to places that aren’t much better than where they are,” said the Marine boss.

“Last season, when we weren’t doing so well, we didn’t get any approaches but it means that people are looking at us and thinking that we’re having a good season – it’s a compliment, really.

“The squad is coming together and we’ve got good quality here. Hopefully those players want to stay and be a part of something good at Swindon Supermarine.”

On the eve of last Saturday’s clash with North Leigh, Marine re-signed Marcus Johnston-Schuster from tomorrow’s opponents Marlow, while fellow defender Luke Matthews returned to the club on a dual-registration basis from National League South side Bath City.

Webb is hoping that his squad will react positively to the increased competition.

He added: “I think you can take it two ways. You can see it as a challenge to get into the squad and fight to stay in the team, or you look to go somewhere else.

“The important thing is to work out who really wants to be at the club and be part of where the club is going to go and who doesn’t. We want to try to keep as many good players at the club as we can.”

After their trip to Marlow, who moved across from Division One Central, Marine host newly-promoted Slimbridge next Tuesday.

“We need to show ultimate respect against these sides, just like against North Leigh,” said Webb. “If you look at the table, we’re in third on 15 points and you can look all the way down to Burnham, who are 16th but on 10 points.

“We’re not playing catch-up with other sides but, if we can get some more points on the board, hopefully we can stay with the pack when those gaps get a lot bigger.”