BASINGSTOKE Town have announced that striker Nicholas Bignall has left the club by mutual consent.

The former Reading man enjoyed a spell at The Soccer AM Stadium last season, scoring a hat-trick on the final day of the campaign.

He re-joined the club just before the start of the new season, coming on as a substitute in the games against Farnborough and Ebbsfleet.

Bignall's departure is a blow for Town as he is a player of undoubted quality, but Town manager Jason Bristow is spoiled for choice when it comes to strikers, with another six still on the books.

Bristow said: “It has been no secret that Nicholas has wanted the opportunity to train more regularly and now he has been provided the opportunity to do just that, which will help him hopefully get back to playing in a league where he deserves to be.

“Nicholas has had a fantastic attitude in his short spell here and goes with the best wishes of everyone at the club. After such horrendous injuries, he is a determined footballer and will do well wherever he goes.

"I’d also like to personally thank Biggsy for his services and wish him all the best.”