INSPIRATIONAL captain Carl Heeley admits leaving Worcester City is one of the toughest decisions of his career.

Heeley, 35, has ended his 11-year association with the St George's Lane club after rejecting new terms offered to him by player-manager Andy Preece.

The centre-half's shock departure signals the beginning of Preece's summer brick-building as he aims to assemble a squad capable of promotion next season.

Veteran midfielder John Snape and young defender Dan Parker have also been released by Worcester to free up funds for new signings, while contracted striker Christan Moore has been placed on the transfer list.

Leon Kelly, Danny McDonnell, Jai Stanley and Adam Webster have at least one year left on their existing contracts and all remaining squad members have been offered new deals which are expected to be agreed.

Fans favourite Heeley, who netted more than £5,000 in his testimonial season this year, leaves as a City legend after clocking up 521 appearances and 43 goals for the club.

He remains eager to play in Nationwide North and offers have already flooded in to capture his services.

Heeley said: "Andy Preece offered me another year but I decided it was not right and rejected it. I just felt it was time to move on and time for a fresh challenge.

"It's a huge decision for me, one of the toughest I've ever had to make. It's difficult to make a decision like this when you've been at the club for so long. Worcester has been a huge part of my football career and so I've not taken the decision lightly.

"I'm leaving on good terms and there are no hard feelings whatsoever. I have the utmost respect for the management duo."

Preece admits he wanted Heeley to remain an integral part of Worcester's defence.

Preece said: "Carl has been tremendous for me and I wanted him to stay. We offered him a contract but could not agree.

"He's one of the first players I spoke to when I came here and I know how much he meant to the club and the supporters. Carl played for City for over a decade and I don't think you will get anybody like that coming along again.

"It's a shame he has gone because he was a leader for us. But Carl has got to do what's best for him and I respect that."

Chairman Dave Boddy said: "Carl's contribution to this football club has been massive. He will go down in the history books as a City legend. Worcester City would like to wish Carl all the best for his future career."