LEFT-BACK Darren Campion has left Worcester City with immediate effect and is expected to join a rival club in Vanarama National League North.

Campion told City’s management team he was unhappy at the club and wanted to leave Aggborough to pursue other options in football.

The former Hednesford Town skipper, who joined City in the summer, had been hailed by joint manager Carl Heeley as the best left-back in the division.

Back in June, Heeley said: “Darren, in my opinion, is the best left-back in the league.

“He was high on our list of priorities this summer and we are delighted he wanted to come and join the club after stiff competition for his signature.”

But City have agreed to mutually cancel Campion’s contract.

Worcester are 17th in the table with four points from five matches and travel to Brackley Town on Saturday (3pm).

A City club statement said: “Darren has advised the management team he is unhappy at the football club and wishes to leave to pursue options elsewhere in football.

“His honesty is appreciated and there is certainly no gain in keeping players at the club who are unhappy and not enjoying their football. It is expected that he will shortly join a National North rival.”

The club statement added: “Everyone at the club would like to thank Darren for his contribution in his short spell at the club and we wish him well for his future career.”

Campion was City’s first signing of the summer as Worcester beat off compe - tition from other clubs to recruit him.

The tenacious defender enjoyed four successful campaigns at Hednesford.