LEE FOWLER has left Forest Green by mutual consent after the club declined to offer him a contract.

The popular 27-year-old completed a month's rehabilitation at Tony Adams' Sporting Chance Clinic in Surrey in October for alcoholism. The influential former Coventry City midfielder has not played since October 7 due to a knee ligament injury, but is back in full-time training and is now set to train with Blue Square Premier Wrexham on Monday.

Fowler and manger David Hockaday agreed to part company today, but the Newport-based midfielder admitted disappointment at his New Lawn exit.

"Forest Green and the fans have supported me brilliantly throughout my rehabilitation, but I am disappointed that the club wouldn’t offer me a contract - I didn’t want to leave and I feel pushed out."

Forest Green boss Dave Hockaday said: "Lee exercised his right to move on and we wish him all the best."