EXPERIENCED striker Steven Craig has left Worcester City due to his Manchester-based football coaching business “taking off”.

The former Wycombe Wanderers forward has scored just one goal in 12 appearances since joining the Vanarama National League North outfit last summer.

But caretaker boss John Snape said the 36-year-old’s increasing work commitments would “cause him delays” in getting to training.

Craig, who has played for a string of Scottish clubs, including Motherwell and Aberdeen, owns Planet Soccer which teaches football skills to youngsters.

Snape applauded Craig’s professionalism, but revealed they had agreed to "call it a day".

“Steven has left the club by mutual consent,” Snape said.

“Due to work commitments and his football business taking off in Manchester we have decided to call it a day.

“He had come down from Scotland and now lives in Manchester where he has picked up some contracts which causes him delays especially on Tuesday and Thursdays to get down to training, so we have mutually agreed to terminate his contract.

“I would like to thank Steven for all his efforts and commitments over the season and wish him well in his future whatever he decides to do.”

Craig’s only goal came in a 1-1 draw at Gainsborough Trinity in December. He has struggled with injuries this term and went out on loan Stafford Rangers.

On his return, Snape challenged him to score the goals to fire City to safety, but Craig failed to add to his tally.

“He was very committed and very professional in everything he did,” Snape added.

“Goals are his forte, but it did not quite happen for us this season.”

Craig is the third striker to leave Worcester since the turn of the year, with Lee Hughes joining AFC Telford United and Colby Bishop moving to Boston United.

But with Pa Sulay Njie arriving last week and Jordan Murphy scoring three times in his last two games, Snape believes he has got enough options available.

“We have got Pa Sulay, Junior English who has been playing as a striker and Jordan,” he said.

“We have also got Callum Devlin, Bailey Beddows and little Chay Scrivens can play up front as well, so maybe it is time for others to have a chance now.”