Centre half Ricky Mercer has left Blue Square North club Fleetwood Town by mutual consent.
Mercer, 25, joined Town from Kendal Town in December 2006 and has made six starts this term.
Manager Micky Mellon said he couldn’t assure regular first-team football to the central defender. “Ricky has been with me personally for over a year and I’m disappointed to let him go. He was an important part of my squad and had done really well for Fleetwood Town over the years.
“I always say if somebody comes along and tells me they need to be playing first-team football, then we can’t stand in the way. I would have liked to keep Ricky because we regard him very highly but the situation at the moment doesn’t guarantee him regular first-team football.”
Mercer was seen recently as cover for Michael Taylor and Steve McNulty but Mellon says he has other options in his squad. “Nathan Pond can play in the centre of defence and Jamie McGuire can handle himself in that role. Besides, the contacts we have, and the hard work that goes on behind the scenes, means we could line up a replacement as well.”
Mercer’s last appearance was the away defeat at Droylsden at the end of August.
