Dartford defender Tom Gardiner has left the club with immediate effect.

Gardiner started the 1-0 National League South derby defeat at Ebbsfleet on New Year's Day but decided not to sign a new deal at Princes Park.

The defender was on a six-month contract but has turned down a new offer from the Darts due to work commitments and travelling from his Hertfordshire home.

Dartford boss Tony Burman said: "I am disappointed with Tom’s decision as he had been offered new terms.

"We have spent the last year and a half improving Tom as a player but I have to understand that he has been finding it difficult with his work commitments and travelling from his home in Harpenden, Hertfordshire.

"It looks like he will be joining a new club nearer to home which for him will makes things easier.”