CIRENCESTER TOWN boss Charlie Griffin insists he will fend off any approach for Ben Whitehead.

Hot-shot Whitehead,23, has plundered a staggering 27 goals this season and his red- hot form has seen Griffin rebuff an offer from big-spending Southern League rivals Evesham United.

Griffin said: “Ben has a good job as a painter and decorator and it would take a substantial offer for him to move.

“Obviously there’ll be people watching him and Evesham came in for him. He’s the top scorer in the league and he wants to finish as top scorer.”

“He won’t want to go somewhere else now, we’ve still got a lot of points to play for and he wants to be part of it and I want to keep him next season.”

Despite a 5-1 defeat at Wimborne on Saturday, Griffin is eyeing a push for the play-offs.

He added: “We have 16 games to go and sit 10 points off the play-offs, so anything is possible.”

Griffin believes his side have finally found their feet on the 3G artificial playing surface.

“The boys are getting used to the pitch now,” admitted the Town boss.

“We really have a fantastic facility, second to none and it take no toll on your legs or knees.”

Cirencester welcome Mangotsfield United on Saturday, 3pm and travel to Bishop’s Cleeve on Tuesday, 7.45pm.