FOREST Green Rovers chairman Dale Vince wants an apology from Newport County AFC boss Terry Butcher.

Vince believes the former England and Ipswich captain was wrong to claim Darren Jones’ return to the New Lawn was financially driven.

Speaking to the official County website, Butcher said: “We tried our best to keep him, and offered him an increased deal, but sadly despite our best efforts we can’t get anywhere near what he has been offered at Forest Green Rovers.

“As many supporters know, Forest Green Rovers, despite being in the Conference, have a history of being able to offer big deals.

“He had spoken of his wishes to stay at Newport, but obviously he has to put his family first, and the deal he has been offered at Forest Green is unbeatable from our point of view.”

However, Vince told our sister paper the Stroud News & Journal: “While it’s not unusual for some managers to use the budgets of other clubs as excuses for their own shortcomings, what Terry Butcher has said is simply untrue and it’s a slur on a player that deserves better - he should do the decent thing and apologise.”

Former County captain Jones insisted ambition over money was the defining factor on his return to Forest Green.

Jones previously thought he would finish his career with his hometown club, but contract talks stalled and the 31-year-old defender opted to seal a one-year deal with Rovers, with the option of a second year based on appearances.

Jones said: “It wasn’t a case of money and I could have earned far more money from offers in the Football League.

“I signed for Forest Green for football reasons and the difference in money is minimal from what I was on at Newport.”

Jones is now aiming to challenge at the business end of the table next season, but feels his former club could hit the buffers following a raft of departures from Rodney Parade.

He added: “I really thought I would finish my career at Newport, but talks broke down and it wasn’t to be. I thought the decision to release 13 of my friends after a budget cut was harsh and I don’t think Newport are going to challenge this season.”