COLIN Potts has left Altrincham in search of regular first team football.

The 28-year-old winger had fallen out of favour with manager Graham Heathcote this campaign after recovering from a hernia operation and only started seven games.

Potts became a fan's favourite during Alty's Conference North promotion campaign after joining the club in 2004 from Northwich Victoria.

He also played a major role in last season's successful battle against relegation before picking up a double hernia injury in the summer.

After a successful loan spell at Burscough in September, Potts returned to Alty but has generally found himself behind both Robbie Lawton and Lewis Chalmers in the midfield pecking order.

In total Potts made 106 appearances for the club and scored 13 goals.

Manager Graham Heathcote said: "He did well for the club and it's disappointing that he's leaving but he wants to play regularly and I can't guarantee that.

"His fitness levels are not quite enough for this level of football and it probably didn't help that he couldn't take part in preseason because of his operation.

"The fans will have plenty of good memories of him because he can deliver the ball as well as anyone but the club has to move on and we wish him well.

"Our focus now is to make sure we put together a group of players who are good enough to do the job in this division."

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