BEMUSED James Rowe says he remains baffled by Bashley’s decision to transfer list him.

The talented midfielder, a summer acquisition from Dorchester Town, was made surplus to requirements by the Southern League club last month.

Prior to that, the former Cherries youngster had started in 29 of his 31 appearances for Steve Riley’s men, scoring three goals.

But the 21-year-old has now been left in limbo as he is not being considered for first-team selection and he turned out for the club’s reserve team last weekend.

Rowe, whose last game for the New Foresters came at Tiverton on February 14, told the Echo: “I don’t know what I’ve done wrong.

“I’ve not been told the specific main reason why I’m on the transfer list.

“If they had given me a reason, I could understand it, but I’ve not been given a real reason.”

Rowe, who insists he’s not bitter about the situation and that he still wants Bashley to do well this season, says the decision cannot have anything to do with his attitude or fitness.

“I’ve started every game I’ve been available for and I train and work really hard,” he said.

“I never missed training, even if I was ill. I’m a qualified personal trainer so it’s not like I’m out of condition, so it cannot be anything to do with that.

“So if other teams are interested they should know that I’m fully fit and ready to start playing.

“I run five miles every day so I keep in peak fitness, so I feel like someone higher than the management has obviously taken a dislike to me and forced his (Riley’s) hand.”

Rowe, who confirmed he had received all the payments he was due as he is on contract with Bash until the end of the season, has yet to receive any offers despite his name being circulated to equivalent and higher-level clubs.

He added: “If a local side came in and wanted me to help them out until the end of the season, I wouldn’t turn them down.

“But at the same time I want to see that I get the money I’m owed by Bashley.

“They shouldn’t have signed me if they weren’t going to keep me until the end of the contract. They should at least honour my contract.”

When asked about the reasons behind Rowe’s transfer-listing at the time, boss Riley said: “It’s a balancing act on the books.”

And on Wednesday he added: “We’re doing one or two things and I’m also looking to next season as well.”

Riley confirmed that no approaches had been made for Rowe.

Bash host play-off hopefuls Brackley Town tomorrow (3pm), without captain Paul Gazzard (suspended).

Bashley: (from) Elm, Ferrett, Middleton, Parnell, Knowles, Knight, Castle, Tarr, Gillespie, Keeler, Moss, Allen, Gunn, Quinn, Hollick, Riley, Finlay, McCarthy.