JOHN Coleman let Terry Gornell leave Accrington Stanley as he felt he couldn't stand in his way of playing regular first-team football.

The striker, who was in his third spell at the Wham Stadium, had a year left on his contract but both club and the player have decided to terminate the deal.

Gornell had limited chances last season due to the form of Billy Kee, Shay McCartan and Sean McConville.

"It’s sad to see Terry go, he was a great professional around the place and he was beneficial to younger players over the last couple of years," said Coleman.

"Despite his frustration of not playing, he never let his head drop and it’s testament to the character of the man that he didn’t try and hold out for money to leave on a severance pay off but was happy to shake hands and look for a new challenge. In this day and age, it’s refreshing to see.

"I couldn’t stop him with his wish to play football, I know how much he wants to be playing football but with the way we play, it means Billy Kee was very much our first choice and I think Terry saw that his chances were limited again this season. He has decided to play football elsewhere and that’s smashing that he wants to play football and not just pick up the money."