NEWPORT County AFC manager Terry Butcher is refusing to be drawn into a war of words with Forest Green Rovers over the departure of captain Darren Jones.

The Newport-born Exiles skipper turned down the offer of a new contract at Rodney Parade to rejoin the Conference club last week.

And Forest Green chairman Dale Vince has publicly demanded an apology from Butcher, insisting the Exiles boss was wrong to claim Jones’ return to the New Lawn was financially driven.

Butcher told the Argus yesterday that the club simply couldn’t match the financial package on offer from Forest Green.

“It came down to money, we offered Darren a deal and then we raised that offer,” he explained.

“But ultimately, we couldn’t get anywhere near the offer Forest Green Rovers made him. Not even close.

“Forest Green obviously have a history of giving out these very good contracts and that is their prerogative as a club chasing entry into the Football League.

“But Darren was very good about it. He will be 32 in August and needed to look out for what was best for him and his family.

“I would have liked to keep him here, but we have to think about the whole squad, not just individuals.

“It comes down to the need to spread the budget across the whole squad.

“We feel there is some good value to be found out there.”

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.”

The Argus contacted County for a response but the club declined to comment on Vince’s remarks and are attempting to draw a line under the issue.

Jones, meanwhile, told the Stroud News & Journal that the main factor in his decision to move on was ambition and not money.

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.

“I really thought I would finish my career at Newport, but talks broke down and it wasn’t to be,” he added.

“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.”