BRIGHTLINGSEA Regent have suffered a blow after two of their long-serving players left the club.

Jake Turner and skipper Matt Cripps have both decided to move on to pastures new, after long stints at the Isthmian League Premier club.

Turner was a Brightlingsea player for seven seasons, barring a brief spell at AFC Sudbury.

He made more than 300 appearances for the club, scoring 35 goals in the process.

Turner joined the R's in the summer of 2013 from Braintree Town and scored on his debut in a 2-0 victory over Felixstowe and Walton United.

He played a huge role in the club's Eastern Counties League promotion under James Webster.

Turner, who is Regent's fourth-highest capped player, was also part of Brightlingsea's Isthmian League North winning team of 2016/17.

He left the club the following season for AFC Sudbury but was re-signed by boss Tom Rothery in October, 2017.

The club have thanked Turner for 'all his effort and dedication to the club' and have wished him all the very best in his next footballing chapter.

Cripps has joined Turner in quitting the R's, after six seasons at the club.

He made 280 appearances for Brightlingsea, scoring 18 goals and winning all of the club's end of season awards, numerous times.

He joined Brightlingsea in the summer of 2014 from Maldon and Tiptree and a season later, was made club captain.

Cripps' biggest achievement for Regent was leading them to the Isthmian League North title in 2017.

He also lifted the Essex FA Tolleshunt D’Arcy Cup on two occasions.

Cripps picked up an injury in the early part of this calendar year which had cut his season short but he is being back to return to his best.

Brightlingsea have sent Cripps their good wishes, following his departure from the club.

They said: "We thank Matt for everything he has given to the club over the years and genuinely wish him all the very best for the future in the game."