Jon Worsnop has left Chester FC by 'mutual consent'.

The 33-year-old has reached an agreement with the club to terminate his deal at the Lookers Vauxhall Stadium after falling out of favour following the summer signing of Liam Roberts on loan from Walsall.

Worsnop, who played one game for the Blues in February 2002, was signed by former manager Steve Burr in 2014 following a spell at Alfreton Town.

He made over 70 appearances in all competitions for Chester since his arrival but lost his place in the team to Tony Thompson towards the end of last season and has failed to nail down a regular spot ever since.

Following discussions between boss Jon McCarthy and the management team, the decision has been made that the keeper should be allowed to leave the club to pursue other challenges.

In a statement, Worsnop, who signed a two-year deal prior to the 2015/16 season, said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Chester Football Club and would like to thank the fans and the club for all of their support.

“I have reached the stage of my career where I need to either be playing every week or indeed consider pursuing other opportunities.”

Blues boss McCarthy hailed Worsnop 'the bravest keeper I have worked with' following his departure and pointed to his display in the 0-0 FA Cup draw at Barnsley in December 2014 as one of his finest moments for the Blues.

McCarthy said: “Jon Worsnop has been excellent for this football club.

“He has played over seventy times for Chester since joining in 2014 and has always shown himself to be a good professional that is committed to the team.

“I will always regard Jon as the bravest goalkeeper I have worked with - epitomised by his outstanding performance away at Barnsley in the FA Cup when he played most of the game with a fractured jaw keeping us in the tie with a last minute save of the highest quality.

“We wish him luck, whilst thanking him for his commitment to the club.”

The club are hopeful of securing the signature of a replacement for Worsnop in due course.