Billy Bricknell's Maidstone United contract has been cancelled by mutual consent with a year to run.

Striker Bricknell signed an 18-month deal after leaving Ebbsfleet in January but found travelling from both his Essex home and work in London increasingly difficult.

His request to leave has been granted and he will look for a new club closer to home.

Stones fans didn't see the best of a player who's been prolific throughout his career and he leaves after scoring five goals.

He will be remembered for his winner against Margate and the final-day double against East Thurrock when Maidstone clinched the Ryman League Premier Division title.

Bricknell, 26, said: "It was great to be part of the championship side and I wanted to be a part of it next season.

"But it all came down to the travelling – it was taking 10 hours a week and a few hundred miles to get from work or home to the ground and much of that was sitting in traffic.

"That had an impact on me and I think I need to look for something a little more local."

Stones boss Jay Saunders said: "I respect Billy’s decision – it’s never easy to leave a club even though he was only here for a few months.

"In that time he chipped in with performances and goals that helped us win promotion.

"I’d have liked him to be involved next season because he’s done well at that level but it’s got to work as much for the player as it does for the club.”