Midfielder Marvin Hamilton has left Isthmian South East play-off finalists Hythe.

Hamilton departs Reachfields as he is looking to play closer to his home in Enfield.

The former Sri Lanka international, 34, added much-needed experience to a young Cannons squad following his arrival in September.

Boss Steve Watt said: “Marv wants to play more local, for family reasons, which is totally understandable.

“He’s played all his career mainly away from his family, particularly recently, and he had a newborn as well last year, so it’s time he stayed closer to home.

“He’s a big loss for us but we wish him all the best and thank him for everything he did for us.”

Hythe look set to lose a second player - he has an offer to play higher - but talks with the rest of the squad have been positive.

“We’re just waiting to secure a few things behind the scenes, to know where we are,” said Watt.

“Hopefully I’ll know this week where we stand and then I’ll be able to get the ball rolling.

“After the season we’ve just had, making the play-off final, you want to get started and continue the momentum.

“There’s been interest in the players but, by all accounts, the rest of them want to stay and try and recreate what we did this year.

“Players tend to keep their cards close to their chest but they’re an honest bunch and the conversations have been really positive.

“I’m very much just waiting to get the green light to go and secure everyone.

“They’re a tight-knit group and when I go to a club I like to create an environment that players want to be part of and don’t want to leave.”

Meanwhile, Watt and Hythe players Liam Smith and Jarred Trespaderne were at Wembley on Saturday to watch ex-Cannons midfielder Darren Oldaker line up for Chesterfield in the National League play-off final.

Oldaker, who started his career at Gillingham, impressed in front of almost 40,000 fans but saw his penalty saved as Notts County won 4-3 on spot-kicks following a 2-2 draw.

“It was fantastic to see DJ on that stage and have such a good game,” said Watt.

“It’s only just over a year ago he was playing at Reachfields for Hythe and there he is, walking out at Wembley.

“I really felt for him at the end but one of his great attributes is nothing fazes him.

“Speaking to him afterwards, he was obviously disappointed but you could still hear the confidence in his voice.

“He’s a fantastic footballer and a great bloke and I couldn’t be happier to see him on that stage.”