DAVE Turner has hit back at Wootton Bassett boss Jeff Roberts’ assertion that Craig Bowden and Liam Edmondson joined Shrivenham for the guarantee of first-team football.

Roberts made the comments in the lead-up to Saturday’s derby between the two teams - which Bassett won 2-1 - and Turner revealed his anger at Roberts’ words.

Turner, who left Bassett for the Shrivvy hotseat in the summer and has crossed swords with his successor already this season, stated that nobody in his squad had an automatic place in the team.

“There's one thing I would like to say, just to put the record straight,” said Turner. “Mr Roberts stated that two players came to me because they were guaranteed first-team football.

“I can assure you that's not why they came to me. They've both been dropped by me before and if they don't perform they'll be dropped again.

“So they're not here because of guaranteed football, they're here because they like the way that we do things to the way they were at their previous club.

“It's a couple of times he (Roberts) has said that now and I'd just like to put the record straight.”

Shrivvy travel to Ascot in the Hellenic League Premier Division tomorrow, while Bassett host Flackwell Heath.

Bassett have been given a boost after winger Callum Parsons joined up with the Corinium-based side from Fairford.

“I didn't want him to leave as he's a good member of the squad and well-liked around the club,” said Cinder Lane boss Paul Braithwaite.

“It would have been good for him to see out the last eight games to try and be part of our promotion push.

“However, Bassett have offered him some money and that will rise along with what seems like a guaranteed start each game for him. So it makes sense for him to take the step up.

“We all wish him luck and I hope he does well for them, he's a top lad and a good player.”