Yeovil boss accused of repeatedly approaching former club's players without permission
Walton & Hersham say they have made a formal complaint to the FA about Billy Rowley's conduct
The manager of Yeovil Town has been accused by his former club Walton & Hersham of repeatedly approaching and trying to influence their players without permission.
The Surrey side say they have lodged a formal complaint with the FA about Billy Rowley's conduct.
The club claim Rowley also used strong language in correspondence sent directly to club ownership and spoke to their players including at an end of season staff event.
They added that Yeovil have made a "formal offer" for their midfielder Mason Obeng.
In a statement on their website Walton & Hersham FC said: "We believe Billy has made repeated attempts to influence contracted players regarding their futures, contributing to unnecessary instability within the club. This has been confirmed by Yeovil Town FC contacting us today, acknowledging that they’ve made a formal offer towards Mason Obeng after he rejected our offer.
"Walton & Hersham FC has provided The Football Association with a full account of these matters and has offered supporting evidence, including statements and material evidencing the conduct referenced in our complaint.
"While we had hoped these concerns would be addressed with the seriousness they warrant through the appropriate private channels, the lack of meaningful action or acknowledgement has left us with no alternative but to make our position public.
"The club remains fully prepared to provide further evidence to the relevant authorities should it be required.
"Our priority remains protecting the integrity of Walton & Hersham FC, our players, our staff, and ensuring the standards expected within football are upheld."
Rowley joined Yeovil from Walton & Hersham in November (2025) and leading the club to a 16th place finish in the National league.
The statement added: " This complaint follows a series of incidents that have caused significant concern to the club’s ownership and management team. These concerns include repeated approaches and engagement with Walton & Hersham FC contracted players without the club’s knowledge or consent, conduct which we believe has undermined player retention and contractual discussions.
"The complaint also details concerns surrounding Mr Rowley’s attendance at the club’s end-of-season staff event, accompanied by Yeovil Town FC’s Head of Recruitment, where interactions with contracted Walton & Hersham FC players took place despite clear indications that their presence was not welcomed by club ownership.
"In addition, our complaint outlines concerns regarding inappropriate correspondence sent directly to club ownership, including the use of profane and threatening language, as well as further disparaging remarks allegedly made publicly about Walton & Hersham FC, its ownership and its officials."
Yeovil Town and the FA have been approached for comment.