A FORMER Taunton Town footballer has told how he was sexually abused during his time in the youth set up at a top club.

Dean Radford waived his right to anonymity to tell how he was attacked by an employee at Southampton, where he was part of the schoolboy development scheme.

There is no suggestion of any impropriety towards Mr Radford during his Taunton Town days.

Mr Radford suffered the abuse when he stayed over in Southampton during weekends away from his home in Bristol.

Along with another young player, he said he was made to "snuggle up" with hs abuser on a couch.

Mr Ashton, who turned out for Taunton in the 1993-94 season, added: "It was very odd for me because this was the first experience I'd had of that sort of closeness and whatever else you want to call it."

Although Taunton played in the FA Vase Final at Wembley during his time at the club, he did not appear in that match as he was cup-tied.

Avon and Somerset Police are among a number of forces across the country investigating claims of historic sexual abuse by coaching staff at various football clubs.