Bashley skipper Darren Robson has criticised the club's lack of ambition after being placed on the transfer list along with long-serving defender Andy Darnton.

Coming on top of the forthcoming sale of mercurial marksman Paul Sales to Eastleigh, Robson sees it as a sign that the club are going backwards after finishing just short of the Dr Martens Eastern Division promotion places last season.

Bashley announced in an official club statement that manager Barry Blankley had "reluctantly agreed" with his executive committee to either sell or release three of his most experienced players.

It is believed Blankley was under pressure to cut his wage bill and make way for what the club describes as "emerging existing players and imminent new signings."

Former Aldershot, Farnborough and Basingstoke midfielder Robson, 33, who has another year to run on his contract said: "I'm not surprised about being transfer-listed because football's a cut-throat business, but I have to question Bashley's ambition when they're prepared to sell a player like Salesy.

"It's a major statement to make, getting rid of a striker who's widely regarded as one of the best in the area.

"If it hadn't been for Paul's injury problems last season I think we would have been promoted.

"The season before, when he joined us halfway through, he was scoring nearly a goal a game."

Robson also feels sorry for Darnton, who has held strong through some stormy times at Bashley since joining them from Fleet in the 1999/2000 season.

Robson said: "Andy played for them when there's was no money at all down there.

"If it were down to Barry, I think he'd want us stay, but he is working within financial constraints.

"It's a pity because we had a good blend of youth and experience last season, but I wouldn't want to stay at a club that doesn't want to win the league."

Any enquiries should be directed to Bashley's director of football Derek Binns on 01590 642004.