Monday 20 October 2014 17:36, UK
Hartlepool United midfielder Josh Rowbotham has had his contract cancelled by mutual consent.
The 20-year-old, who progressed through the club's junior ranks, has decided his future lies outside professional football. "It was a very hard decision to make on my behalf," he told the club's official website. "It has been going through my head for a few months and I feel relieved now it has all been sorted - though part of me is still disappointed. "I can't fault the club. They have been great with me, from giving me my opportunity to training and everything, I just couldn't fault them at all. "I have nothing in mind, there are a few opportunities I am looking into and a few career paths but I will need to have a long think about what I want to do." Rowbotham made his first-team debut in April 2011 against Tranmere and signed a professional deal later that summer, but has made only only one further appearance for the club, in March 2012 at Walsall.