LEON Jeanne won't be returning to Cinderford Town next season, while Peter Macklin and goalkeeper Ben John are also being chased by other clubs.

Forest Green Rovers are believed to be interested in Macklin.

Former Cardiff City and QPR winger Jeanne is currently training with Championship new boys Brighton & Hove Albion and hoping their manager Gus Poyet will give him another chance in the professional game.

New Cinderford manager Steve Peters is unperturbed about losing Jeanne.

He told The Forester: "Leon is probably one of the best technical footballers ever to play for Cinderford but he's not what we're after this season.

"I want young, hungry lads at this club who work hard for the team.

"I want to improve and develop them so they can go on to bigger and better things in the game.

"Good luck to Leon, but I want a group of lads willing to work their socks off. I want players who play for each other and celebrate together."

Peters has convinced Nick McCootie to ignore approaches from the likes of Weston and Chippenham and stay at The Causeway.

Most of last season's squad also want to stay, including midfielder Nick Hancock.

Craig Tait and Matt Smith should be back from long-term injuries, while Peters is currently in talks with several players with Hereford United links.

One player Peters is very excited about bringing to The Causeway is ex-Bristol Rovers player Jordan Tillson, the son of former QPR and Bristol Rovers player Andy Tillson.

Tillson Junior, who can play in a number of defensive positions, was released by Rovers at the end of last season, but Peters believes Rovers would have kept him had they stayed up.

He said: "Other clubs are sniffing around but I am good friends with his dad and I will look after and nurture him. I coached Jordan when he was 13."

Striker Michael Whittington is definitely coming to Town, as is former Bury striker Matt Williams and ex-Rochdale goalkeeper Danny Woodhall.

Woodhall has also played for Halesowen, Team Bath and Hednesford.

Alex Harris has vowed to stay at the club and continue to fight for the number one shirt.

Pre-season training started this week and Peters says plenty of other new faces will be trying out for his squad.

"I might have to disappoint a few but I want the best 17 or 18," he said.

"I want to build on what Paul (Weeks) achieved last season.

"I think the league will be tougher because a few clubs are throwing money about, but the way players view Cinderford has changed and they are happy to come here.

"I also know the system I want to play. At times last year I felt we were a bit gung ho.

"One thing I am still on the lookout for is a strong experienced centre-half but there are not many of them about. A lot of the ones that are out there want too much money.

"Don't forget we've already got some very good central defenders who are only going to get better, people like Dan Harrison, Warren Archer and Greg Lewis. Andy Lewis can also play there."