Horsham boss John Maggs has warned his rivals: "Hands off my players."

Hornets, who face Swansea in the second round of the FA Cup next week, are reeling after the departure of winger John Westcott to Ryman premier rivals Tonbridge Angels.

Fans fear former assistant manager Tommy Warrilow, now in charge of Angels, is ready to swoop for more Horsham players.

Westcott's exit follows hot on the heels of striker Chamal Fenelon, who walked out to join Havant in the week leading up to the FA Cup first round win over Maidenhead.

But Maggs said: "It is disappointing to lose Westie. He was a key player and has been a good servant.

"I couldn't do anything about him going. He wasn't on contract with us and the offer was too good to turn down for him. It wraps up his financial security for two years..

"It is not surprising my players are creating interest after what they've done.

"But I don't want to lose any more of them. My intention is not to break up the side but keep it together. We have a very good team and can go up a level with it.

"I want to keep all our quality players and I will be speaking to them over the next week or so to ensure they stay."

Warrilow has hit back at website criticism from Horsham supporters.

He said: "These people should grow up. Everything regarding Westie was above board. Tonbridge needed a wide player and so I phoned John Maggs about Westie. It wasn't personal, it was football business.

"If we decide to try and sign other Horsham players John Maggs will be the first to know."