POPULAR Forest Green defender Eddie Oshodi has decided to step away from football.

The former Watford centre half, who only turned 23 last month, is set to turn his attentions to his charitable works.

Alongside former team-mate Dale Bennett, he is set to host a charity football match in the memory of a young footballer who came through the Watford youth system, but who passed away in the summer.

Manager Ady Pennock said: "I’d like to thank Eddie for all his efforts at Forest Green. It was a surprise decision for him to leave, the club and the fans will miss him, but we also respect his decision.

“Eddie always had a smile on his face and was a really nice lad, we wish him the very best in the future, whatever he chooses to do."

Oshodi arrived at The New Lawn as a 19-year-old in October 2011, after coming through Watford's youth system under the tutelage of former Rovers manager David Hockaday, and made two appearances for the Hornets senior team in the Championship and League Cup.

He made his debut in a 0-0 away draw to eventual champions Fleetwood Town, and went on to play 127 times for FGR in all competitions, scoring six times.