Yeovil manager Billy Rowley accused of approaching ex-club's players in 2026

Yeovil Town manager Billy Rowley has been accused by his former club Walton & Hersham of repeatedly trying to sign their players after joining Yeovil in November 2025.

Former club's allegations Billy Rowley, who became Yeovil Town manager in November 2025, has been accused by his previous club Walton & Hersham of attempting to recruit their players multiple times. The accusations include personally approaching players at an end-of-season celebration. Walton & Hersham won promotion to the National League South for the first time this season and finished above Yeovil in the standings. Yeovil secured a 16th-place finish in the National League under Rowley's leadership. ## Unwelcome advances and events Walton & Hersham stated that Rowley made repeated efforts to influence their contracted players about their future plans, creating instability at the club. They claimed he sent messages to the club's owners containing offensive and intimidating language. Additionally, Rowley reportedly attended Walton & Hersham's end-of-season staff event despite being told his presence was not welcome. The visit included interactions with players from the club. ## Formal complaint to governing body Walton & Hersham submitted an official complaint to the Football Association regarding Rowley's behavior. In a statement on their website, they expressed frustration over the lack of response or action from the FA. They added that the absence of meaningful engagement left them with no choice but to make their concerns public. Yeovil Town and the FA have been asked for their response to the allegations. ## Contract dispute and recruitment offer Walton & Hersham revealed that Yeovil Town made a formal offer to midfielder Mason Obeng after he declined new terms with the Surrey side. The former club stated that Rowley first approached them about hiring him during a Southern League Premier South match against Hungerford Town last year. Walton & Hersham will begin next season just one division below Yeovil following their promotion this year. ## Details of misconduct allegations The complaint filed with the FA outlined multiple concerns about Rowley's actions. It highlighted repeated attempts to contact Walton & Hersham's contracted players without permission from the club. The document also mentioned his attendance at the end-of-season staff event with Yeovil's head of recruitment, where interactions occurred despite clear signals of unwelcomeness. Furthermore, it included allegations of inappropriate messages sent directly to the club's ownership, containing offensive and threatening language, along with public remarks disparaging Walton & Hersham, its leadership, and officials.