Gerard Lyttle admits he has sympathy with Ballymena United manager David Jeffrey over the struggle to keep his star players at the Showgrounds.
The Sky Blues have lost several key men in recent years, including the likes of Shay McCartan, Kofi Balmer, Johnny McMurray, Adam Lecky and Jude Winchester.
All five were snapped up by full-time clubs, despite Ballymena offering fresh terms to retain their services on Warden Street.
Jeffrey recently hit out at the critics who claim Ballymena "lack ambition" by selling their top stars.
And Northern Ireland Under 17 and 19 boss Lyttle believes clubs like Ballymena will struggle to compete with the lure of full-time football within the Irish League.
"Ballymena pretty much hit Europe by selling Shay McCartan. They got over £100,000 for him," Lyttle told Belfast Live's That's What I Call Football podcast.
"You could argue about ambition, but do you think for one second that David Jeffrey hasn't offered these players deals to stay? Of course he has. He wants them all to stay.
"The majority of these players are young and ambitious and want to play full-time football. Kofi Balmer is an example, a kid at 20 or 21 who was captain of the Northern Ireland Under 21s recently. He sees himself possibly going across the water.
"The closest thing at the minute is Larne and going full-time, that will give him a better opportunity to go across the water."
It is understood Larne are eyeing up Ballymena captain Leroy Millar, who comes out of contract this summer.
Jeffrey insists it is his club's desire to retain the services of the 26-year-old, but conceded that the decision will come down to the player.
Lyttle said: "Leroy Millar is a Ballymena legend. He's a local lad and great player and kid. I know for a fact that David loves him, and this has probably been going on for a couple of years.
"I think Ballymena have done brilliantly to keep him. They have been able to talk him into a new deal in the past.
"This is the way the league is going, and I think fans need to be realistic in terms of where they are and what they're doing.
"I would love the whole league to be full-time. Will it happen? I can't see it in the next couple of years, anyway. Hopefully down the line it will.
"But if all these clubs are investing heavily in full-time football, they need to qualify for Europe to justify the wages and investments.
"That's my only concern in this league. If a club throws the kitchen sink at Europe and they don't get it, and the money disappears, that's when we're in serious trouble.
"That's where the likes of Ballymena and others are a little bit wise in not getting carried away and living above their means. They are doing enough to be competitive, and to be fair they have been super-competitive."
Despite a number of key departures in recent times, Ballymena are battling to break into an ultra-competitive top six this season.
Friday night's 2-2 draw with Cliftonville showcased their fighting spirit once again, Jeffrey's side coming from 2-0 down to earn a spirited point.
"Who would write off David Jeffrey and his team?" Lyttle added.
"He is a top manager, he's got a really good backroom staff and experienced, too. And I will say they will be up and around fighting for that top six."
Meanwhile, former Glentoran captain Paul Leeman also believes Ballymena United are in a "tricky position" when it comes to holding on to their key players.
He said: "Ballymena are now trying to get into the top six. You then have these full-time clubs offering players more money, full-time football and the chance to win trophies and medals.
"That's hard for Ballymena to compete with.
"David Jeffrey is is a fantastic manager who can attract players better than anyone. He has managed to do that. They have lost key players but he has managed to bring players in, keep them motivated and he keeps Ballymena competitive.
"But I think David will admit himself there is a gap appearing within the league. You look at the table, you see the full-time clubs up there and it is hard for Ballymena to compete with those finances and ambitions, and that's why ultimately clubs like them will lose their best players.
"And that impacts on them getting to the next level and getting into the top six. Leroy Millar is a key player, and you have mentioned the players who have already left.
"It is difficult for the fans, and for David, and sometimes you have to put your hand up and say it's hard to compete.
"And it's the wages. Players are getting offered unbelievable wages in the league. I wish it was 20 years ago. We were happy with what we were getting then.
"But players now can give up their jobs and go full-time. It is a risk, but they can do it. And it must be worthwhile."
