TAUNTON Town manager Ian Jones has described his job as a “nightmare” as he prepares to lose more players.

Defender Owen Irish and Luke Cole look almost certain to leave after training with two other clubs this week and Bishop Sutton have handed Taunton seven days notice of approach for striker Twaine Plummer.

Irish and Cole were targeted by Truro City after playing against them for Taunton on New Year’s Day. They have trained with the Cornish outfit and also with “a higher division club” who Jones declined to name.

Jones has already lost five players this season after cash-strapped Taunton slashed their wage budget and is nearing the end of his tether.

He said: “It’s been a nightmare, especially since the budget was cut.

“I’ve already lost five players this season, Owen Irish and Luke Cole are almost certain to follow, and a club has come in Twaine Plummer.

“I try to stay positive and keep saying nobody’s irreplaceable but it’s becoming an increasingly difficult job.

“At the moment I’m spending all day on the phone because I’ve lost another player and I don’t know where the his replacement is coming from.

“It’s very tough because I’ve got a family life as well and I’m trying to run a business. I like a challenge but this is ridiculous.

“Tom Harris (club chairman) is obviously aware of the situation but the club’s in no position to offer the players more money to stay.

“My hands are tied because of the budget – other clubs know that and take advantage. Bridgwater knew that and came in for Jamie Price and tried to get Ali Pounde.”

However, Jones said he is not ready to quit yet. He said: “I’ll just keep going and doing my best to bring players in.”

The situation is almost identical to the one Gary Domone faced the summer after almost guiding Taunton to promotion.

On a tight budget, he took Taunton to the Southern league Division One play-off final – they lost to Swindon Supermarine – and then saw most of the side depart in the summer.

With Irish and Cole set to leave, Charlie Welch and John Harris suspended, Jones has been forced to bring in replacements for Saturday’s league match at home to fifth-placed Gosport Borough Striker Nick McCootie has been signed from Yate Town, while young, former Taunton Blackbrook defender Carl Edwards – son of ex-Tiverton Town keeper Paul Edwards – has been drafted in from local league side Staplgrove.

Keeper Simon Cooper is also back in the squad after recovering from knee surgery. However, he will be kept out by on-loan Lloyd Irish, who was on the bench for Yeovil Town in their League One game at home to Scunthorpe United on Tuesday.

Jones is also hoping to sign a Bristol-based player for Saturday.

Taunton: Lloyd Irish, Scott Thomas, Dave Anthony, Danny Lane, Ben Newby, Ali Pounde, Leon Simpson, Twaine Plummer, Shaun Anthony, Shaun Smith, Carl Edwards, Nick McCootie, Simon Cooper, AN Other.

Taunton are also in action next Tuesday when they travel to face fellow strugglers Andover in a crucial game.