ACCRINGTON Stanley have ended the contract of Lee Naylor by mutual consent.

The former Wolves, Celtic and Cardiff City left back had only signed a short-term contract with the Reds in an effort to revive his career and it is understood he has been the subject of interest from at least one League One club closer to his Midlands home.

“I’ve had a few long chats with Lee and the travelling has been really getting to him. He’s had a bit of interest from higher league clubs and we decided to mutually terminate his contract," said Stanley boss James Beattie.

“We’re sad to lose Lee with him being an experienced pro but we had a chat and were honest with each other. It’s disappointing to lose a player of his quality but I understand totally where he’s coming from.

“For the board it’s another player off the wage bill but I’m not looking at it like that. I see it as us losing a player of top quality and we wish him all the best."

Beattie added that Naylor's exit presented an opportunity for players such as Michael Liddle and Laurence Wilson to stake their claim.

“They must have been disappointed when Lee came in and I would hope that they were," he said, adding: "The competition for places in the squad is healthy but we’re always looking for additions whether the window is open or closed."