STRIKER Stuart Fleetwood will not be returning to play for the Terras next season, he has revealed.

The experienced frontman, who netted no fewer than 18 times while on loan from Bath City at the Bob Lucas Stadium this season, cited the amount of travelling to play for the club as an issue for his decision not to join permanently next term.

A post on Fleetwood’s Twitter account said: “It’s with regret that I won’t be returning to Weymouth FC next season. The travelling and distance is just too far for my young family.

“I wish all the club the best and will have fond memories that will last a long time. Good luck to all and it’s been a pleasure. Over and out.”

Boss Mark Molesley, who had held initial talks with the striker over his future, told Echosport: “We looked to see if there was the opportunity for him to stay on but I don’t think that, geographically, we could make it work for him, which is unfortunate because he has done fantastically for us.

"It’s a shame we couldn’t make it work but this time, unfortunately, he is going to move on.

“He has helped us out because now we know we are not hanging around or waiting for him and we can all move on. I think him for his honesty.

“I’d like to thank him for his efforts."