A BUDGET cut and a mini player exodus isn’t fazing joint-Shortwood United boss Alex Sykes.

Josh Egan, Lewis Sommers and Josh Klein-Davies have followed Ross Langworthy out of the Meadowbank exit door as the Nailsworth side tighten their belt for the new Southern League Division South and West season.

“Money is tight, but we aim to run as effectively as we can,” said Sykes.

“We’re competing against sides, who have three times the budget that we have, so it will be a challenge, but we will cut our cloth accordingly and look to foster the Shortwood spirit with a more locally-based side.”

Egan, a former Cheltenham Town and Blackpool midfielder has penned a deal at Southern League rivals Larkhall. Meanwhile, ex-Bristol Rovers striker Klein-Davies is understood to be in talks with Taunton Town and Paulton Rovers.

Giant striker Sommers is set to join a club nearer his South Wales home.

Former Gloucester City striker Will Morford will remain at the club and Sykes and co-manager John Evans will run the rule over former Forest Green Academy players Brandon Talbot and Liam Wright and Lydney defender Nial Halford.