WORCESTER City have parted company with defender Mark Tucker -- by mutual consent.

The centre-half, who has been on the transfer list since last October, agreed to move on after talks with boss, John Barton.

His hectic travelling schedule from his Northampton home is being blamed for the decision.

Barton also revealed he is due to unveil his third signing of the season later in the week to add to full-back, Allan Davies and Jon Holloway.

Tucker, who signed from Kettering Town and made 79 appearances, started his footballing career at Fulham and also enjoyed spells at Woking, where he won two FA Trophy Finals, before moving to Rushden & Diamonds for £35,000. He has not signed for another club.

"He has been on the transfer list since earlier in the season and the problems he has had, have been caused by where he lives," said Barton.

"The distance has become too much to enable him to do the job we wanted him for which was to play football to the best of his ability."

Tucker's career at St George's Lane started two seasons ago under former manager, Graham Allner, and the 29-year-old impressed Barton during his early days at the club.

"When I first came his performances were good and strong, but I think once travelling took its toll to some degree, it affected his level of performance."

Tucker, who won an England semi-professional cap against the Republic of Ireland, was rated the best defender in the Conference in 1996.

He described Worcester as being a terrific club, but said the journey from Northampton took at least an hour and a quarter on a good day -- and two and a quarter on a bad day.

Despite being placed on the transfer list, Tucker turned in some fine performances after Martin Weir's extended absence due to injury.

Barton said Tucker's departure could create opportunities for the rest of the City squad.

"We are not short of players in his position, but there is room to bring someone in whether it is in that position or elsewhere," he added.

"Ultimately we would like to keep competition for all places throughout the side, that is the best way of keeping players on their toes."