TOWN legend Don Rogers has hit back at criticism in an FA report of the North Wilts Youth Football League and his involvement with it.

An FA Board of Enquiry report, seen by the Adver last week, criticised the league, which organises games for 6,000 young people from Swindon and the surrounding area every week, for failing to keep adequate financial records and not following FA rules.

Secretary Margaret Rivers and treasurer Karen Prictor have both been charged with four breaches of FA regulations following the inquiry.

But the former Swindon Town winger has denied any financial wrongdoing and says he has always had the league’s best interests at the heart of everything he has done.

The inquiry report also questioned why Mr Rogers, its president, was a signatory on cheques when 51 per cent of league expenditure went to his sports shop in each of the past two years.

But Mr Rogers said yesterday everything he has done has been above board and that the league has been a huge success under its current management.

He said: “Whilst reporting the findings on the FA inquiry I was appalled at the implication that I had been involved in any financial wrongdoings in the league.

“The report has compromised my integrity and reputation in the town.

“The leagues accounts are audited annually, and produced at the AGM for all member clubs to view.

“I have supplied the trophies to the league for the last 10 years and this year I supplied 2,464 trophies for the price of £7,083 plus VAT.

“The league had two quotes from internet discount sites of £18,635.83 plus VAT and £15,204.17 plus VAT.”

Mr Rogers defended Mrs Rivers and Mrs Prictor and said the league would not have got off the ground without their hard work.

He said: “This league has been running successfully for nine-and-a-half-years, winning many awards along the way.

“Fifteen years ago, there was no youth football in Swindon. People had to travel to Oxford and surrounding areas, and due to the efforts of five people, the North Wilts league was formed and has become one of the best leagues in the country, thanks to the continued efforts of Margaret and Karen.

“All the charges against Margaret and Karen will be vigorously defended.

“If it were not for the countless hours that Margaret and Karen have devoted to this league, it would not have blossomed the way it has.

“I am personally disgusted along with countless others at the way they have been treated by the Wilts FA and the FA.”