But the Poppies boss remains relaxed over the reality of his efforts to build a squad capable of challenging on their return to the top flight of non-League football.

Former Kettering caretaker-manager Graham Westley has already signed midfield pair David Bridges and Gary Mills while striker Craig Westcarr also seems certain to be on his way to join them at Stevenage Borough amid allegations of an illegal approach.

However, Cooper admitted: "It's no use being frustrated or angry about it.

"Although players have done well for us, we can't compete with the money which some clubs have got to spend.

"It's the same in any walk of life if you are offered double or treble your wages.

"You can't just expect them to say 'hang on a minute, I've had a really good time at Kettering so I'm going to stay here'.

"We know that and we can't claim to have loads of money. The chairman (Imraan Ladak) has got to spend as much as he can to buy the ground and make sure we are in the Conference again next year.

"We wish all three players all the very best in their careers at Stevenage.

"Now I can only hope we get suitable compensation for Craig because we made him an offer and, as he is under the age of 24, we should be entitled to some money. For a club like ours, he was very well paid."

There was a double boost for Kettering yesterday as longest-serving player Brett Solkhon and left-back Tommy Jaszczun both signed new deals to to stay at the A-Line Arena.

Cooper added: "Like everyone else, Brett has done well in helping us to win the championship.

"He's versatile and, without being the most technically gifted, he gives 100 per cent and scores a few goals. He wants to win and he's a good lad.

"We've lost Westcarr and Bridges. But there are going to be a lot of players available in the summer to replace them."


Click here to listen to ET sports reporter Jon Dunham's review of a fantastic season.