Luke Hughes, one of the first players to be signed by AFC Sudbury manager Nicky Smith, has left the club. His contract was cancelled by mutual consent this week.
Midfielder Hughes figured in all three of AFC's pre-season friendlies, but was told after Tuesday night's 1-0 home defeat by Wroxham he was no longer part of Smith's plans.
"He has not come up to my requirements," said Smith. "I didn't feel he sho
wed what we wanted, and it is better for him to go now so he has a chance of finding another club.
"It's a time for decision-making. After this weekend we will be going into games with something like our starting line-up. You have to be ruthless as a manager and make these decisions, however difficult."
James Rowe has re-signed for the club, coming on in the 4-2 defeat by Dagenham and Redbridge on Saturday, and playing for an hour on Tuesday.
Rowe agreed a deal while he was in the United States, and returned to Sudbury in time for Saturday's game and to sign a new contract.
"It's a major plus for us to have him and Gareth Heath up front again," said Smith. "He's not match fit, and needs to build up his fitness as he is a bit behind the others."
Injuries and holidays continue to play havoc with Smith's squad. Keeper Paul Catley, who suffered a groin injury at Cornard, and Marcus Hunt, who sustained a knee injury at Melford, may resume light training tomorrow. Both are probably a couple of weeks away from playing again.
Neil Cogger, who has been training with AFC, and testing out his fitness after suffering two major knee injuries over three years, is away on holiday.
Ollie Blackwell, Sheridan Driver and Steve Joyce are all back from holiday and should figure in the matches at Mildenhall on Saturday and Clacton on Tuesday.
Terry Rayner, who missed much of last season with a knee injury, has played in all three games, scoring against Dagenham. Smith will decide on whether to offer him a contract after a few more games.
AFC have been drawn away to Bury Town in the first round of the GX Southern League Cup, with the match scheduled for Tuesday, October 28, at Ram Meadow.
Week 10 winners of the AFC Gold fundraiser: £100 – D Cowie (216), Old Court, Long Melford; £10 – Mrs G Scott (224), Constitution Hill, Sudbury; £10 – Mrs J Golding (459), Uplands Road, Sudbury.
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