David Artell says that Ben Garratt hesitation over signing his new contract ultimately ended his long association with the club. The manager had kept the offer on the table for a long period of time but with Garratt showing no signs of putting pen to paper, Artell felt it was the right decision to finally withdraw it.

The decision ends Garratt’s long run as first team goalkeeper at the club. He has made 255 appearances for the club and only just turned 25.

The former England Youth International did not feature in the club’s last four matches as Artell elected to give young stopper Will Jaaskelainen his opportunity to stake his own claim.

David explained to the club’s official website:  “We made Ben an offer a long time ago and I understand people need time to think things over and reflect on thing. I am sure they see what is out there but we cannot wait forever for them to make a decision.

“With Ben he had until the end of March, then it was April and the deadline passed so we decided to take it off the table.

“Ben understood that we had to move on. He has been great for this football club and we wished him well for the future. “