STANLEY striker Billy Kee has not returned for pre-season training due to personal reasons, the club have announced.

The popular frontman has been a key figure at the Wham Stadium since his return in the summer of 2015.

The 28-year-old did not report back with the rest of the squad ahead of the new League One season however and Stanley took the decision to explain his absence when supporters noticed he was not on any pre-season pictures.

"A number of fans have asked why striker Billy Kee isn’t on any of our pre-season photographs," the Reds' statement said. "Billy didn’t report back in pre-season due to personal reasons and we have no further information at this time.

"When we have an update, we will let people know."

Having been on loan with Stanley in the 2009-2010 season from Leicester City, Kee returned after his release by Scunthorpe four years ago.

In that time he has made 198 appearances and scored 72 goals having previously also played for Mansfield, Burton and Torquay among others.