LEWES first team coach Ralph Cella has slammed the mercenary attitude of players in Sussex after The Rooks failed to capture a string of summer targets because of their inflated financial demands. 'I played all my football away from Sussex and, having come down here, I can honestly say I've never seen anything like it,' said Ralph. 'I look at it in total amazement, how players refuse the chance to join an ambitious club that's only two leagues below the Conference, to pick up an extra tenner playing in the County League. The County League is dreadful. 'A few players told us it was the travelling involved which put them off, but it probably takes as long to get to Selsey and Pagham than the vast majority of places we'll be playing this season. 'There's the opportunity to play really good sides like Dulwich Hamlet, Carshalton Athletic, not to mention the other three Sussex sides in our league. They're really exciting times but lads round here would rather pick up another fiver and play at some of the poxy holes the County League has to offer. 'Look at Sam Francis. He had the chance to really go places. He had scouts looking at him, but I know for a fact they've been to see him at Withdean and said: 'what on earth is he playing this Micky Mouse level of football for?' 'That's put teams off signing him. He's a good player and we put a lot of work into him to make him better. His only downfall now is his first touch, which we were working on. His second touch is always a tackle. 'Chris Dicker's another disappointment. He's done well for us and we wanted him to fight for his place but he's taken the easy option and gone to Shoreham.' Ralph also criticised Darren Gearing and Steve Costick who left the Dripping Pan for County League Division Two side Wealden in the summer. He believed that both lads, who have shown immense promise in the last year, could have forced their way into the first team reckoning this season. 'They've both got real potential. We sat them down and told them they'd be in with a shout of first team action this season, but they've gone to Wealden which, lets be honest, isn't the biggest club in the world. If they'd broken into the team they would have been watched by pro clubs in the London area. 'We've also got contacts with other County League clubs and we told them we could get them into a good County League Division One side while keeping their registration, but it seems they want to go and play with their mates. 'But a major plus for us is Jon Lockhart coming back. If he's fit I'd have him in my side any day. He's held his hands up and admitted that he's messed us about in the past but asked for one last chance. I really hope he makes it because he's top class.'