STRIKER Billy Hunt has parted company with Brightlingsea Regent.

The frontman decided to leave on Friday after a conversation with manager Kem Izzet.

Hunt has been a pivotal figure at the club in recent seasons but struggled to regain his scoring form this term, managing only three BetVictor Isthmian League goals.

He netted against Hornchurch, Folkestone Invicta and Wingate and Finchley and was also on target in Regent's recent Velocity Trophy victory Histon.

"I didn't want Billy to leave but if a player isn't happy and doesn't want to stay, I won't stand in their way," said Izzet.

"He goes with my blessing and I wish him all the best.

"I hope he goes somewhere else, starts scoring goals and enjoying his football again.

"Billy told me he wanted to move on and I accept that.

"I know it's nothing personal and people come and go all the time at football clubs, for different reasons.

"I would have loved to see him playing and scoring every week but he'd be the first to admit he hasn't been firing on all cylinders."

Hunt had dropped out of the team for the last couple of games, against Corinthian Casuals and Histon.

"No-one is guaranteed a place in the side, based on reputation or what you've done previously," added Izzet.

"You have to earn it."

Regent suffered a 1-0 defeat at Leatherhead, on Saturday.

Will Salmon scored the hosts' early winner.

However, Izzet was encouraged by his side's display and feels they are making progress.

"We're getting there and while it's never nice to lose, I can accept losing in that manner," he said.

"I couldn't fault the boys in terms of their work ethic and the way they stayed in the game.

"I'm not saying we deserved to win but we had two or three very decent chances and a stonewall penalty turned down.

"We lacked a bit of quality at times but, overall, it was encouraging.

"The players are starting to understand what's expected of them and what's needed of them in terms of workrate.

"It's taken a little longer than I expected but we're getting there and it's still this side of Christmas.

"There are a lot of points still to play for."

Brightlingsea host Bishop's Stortford on Saturday before a trip to Hornchurch on December 28.

They have no game on Boxing Day.