STOKE RELEASE LIGHTBOURNE

The 32-year-old Bermudan has been allowed to leave the Britannia Stadium on a free transfer and his name will be circulated to all Nationwide League clubs.

Stoke chief executive John Rudge revealed the split, saying: "It is something we believe is in the club`s and player`s best interests.

"Kyle has not been part of the first-team picture here while out on loan with Swindon and Cardiff and with the stiff competition we have, it is possible he may not be in the future.

"His contract is up in the summer and we have had no intention of renewing it.

"Rather than becoming a free agent in the close season, trying to find a new club when many other players are doing the same, he effectively has a head start and with the deadline coming up it could be good timing for him."