St Albans City have released former Southend midfielder Luke Thurlbourne by mutual consent.

Thurlbourne, 19, won the club's player of the month award for August and September but was left out of last Saturday's game with Weymouth.

"His fitness levels are not conducive to playing football," manager Steve Castle told the Herts Advertiser.

"I personally haven't got a problem with the lad, but he can't keep on disregarding training."

Thurlbourne joined the Saints in March 2008 as a work experience player from Southend and although he signed a contract with the Shrimpers, he returned to Clarence Park at the start of this season.

And, although City have severed ties with Thurlbourne, Castle has not ruled out him returning to the club.

"I'd love to have him back," added Castle. "A fit Luke Thurlbourne is one of the best midfielders in the league, let alone at this football club, but we haven't seen that for a good month or so.

"I have given him a lifeline. I've said that he's got a month to six weeks to get himself right - whether he takes that on board, I don't know."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version