MIDFIELDER Sam Finley has left Accrington Stanley by mutual consent.

The 28-year-old is currently serving a 10-match ban, which includes an eight-game suspension dished out in April as punishment for a breach of FA Rule E3 and admitting 'using abusive or insulting language' which 'included a reference to nationality' during Stanley's New Year's Day defeat to Rochdale.

The other two are for accumulating 10 bookings last season.

Finley became a regular in the middle of the park for Stanley after signing from ambitious non-league club AFC Fylde in the summer of 2018.

He scored three goals in each of his two seasons at the Wham Stadium, and had entered the final year of his contract.

Manager John Coleman said: “Sam leaves with our best wishes, it was amicable, we both wished each other the best. I thank Sam for everything he has done for the club, he has worked hard since he has been here.

“The harsh reality is Sam is frustrated at the suspension and the fact he has been out for a long time with the pandemic and Sam feels he is better off having a fresh start and if that’s away from Accrington then so be it."

Speaking to the club's official website, Coleman added: “He is in a position where he can find another club now, its prior to the window shutting, and it gives him the best opportunity to hit the ground running when his ban is up.

“That’s what Sam feels is best for him and we have accepted that and he leaves on great terms. I hope he goes on to be successful wherever he goes.”

Finley, who was absent from the team photograph taken last week, said: “I am grateful for everything the gaffer and the management team have done for me, bringing me to the club and giving me the chance to play league football.

“It’s a great club, run by an owner who has the club at heart, and the fans were brilliant the whole time I was there.”