Taylor named the price each of his men would command after being asked about rumours that Gainsborough Trinity were keen to lure Jon Rowan away from York Street.

Rowan, a former player at the Northolme, did not feature in Saturday's pre-season match at Shirebrook Town because he was on his way back from holiday.

However, Taylor says this is the only reason the attacker, who scored 10 goals from midfield last season, was not involved.

He added: "He's our player and if Gainsborough or any other club want to have him they'll have to pay £10,000.

"Personally, I think Jon's worth more than that.

"But we've got players under contract so we're not going to let them walk away.

"If a club say they really want my players they'll have to prove how much they want them, and that'll cost £10,000."

Taylor has pledged to play hard ball for two reasons.

Firstly, he feels he has put together a squad capable of gaining promotion from the UniBond Premier.

Secondly, he believes that, since the club's demotion from the Blue Square North, other teams have attempted to prize away his top players by offering a return to higher-level action.

He continued: "I want to have the best team I can possibly have for the new season.

"We've tried to do things properly and all other clubs are doing is trying to get one over us.

"The club's been loyal to all these players – now it's payback time."

Boston will certainly not wish to do Gainsborough any favours, especially as they stood their ground last season, refusing to let Wes Parker join United.

Now the Pilgrims feel they don't owe their Lincolnshire rivals any favours.

Parker has now arrived at York Street and was this week rewarded with the captain's arm band.

Taylor added: "He trains the way he plays, by giving 100 per cent. He sets the standards."