LEE Philpott has parted company with Weymouth, head coach Steve Johnson today confirmed.

The former Leicester City midfielder has left the Wessex Stadium outfit after agreeing to tear up the remaining seven months of the 34-year-old's contract.

The Terras took the decision after deciding York-based Philpott lived too far away from the south coast Nationwide South outfit.

Johnson explained: "The club have shook hands with Lee and decided it would be best if we parted ways.

"It is no reflection on him as

a player, because he has undoubted ability, but the practicalities of the situation have just proved too much.

"I just don't think it is realistic to expect Lee to travel down from York two or three times a week and expect him to be on the top of his game.

"There's no more to it than that - I need players who can commit time and effort and clearly you can't expect someone to be travelling down in the car for five or six hours at a time.

"We agreed to part ways and I wish Lee all the best for the future."

Philpott became one of former manager Steve Claridge's first signings when he arrived at the Wessex Stadium in 2003.

The midfielder had suffered a injury prone couple of years at Hull City but impressed last season as the Terras were narrowly pipped to promotion by Crawley Town.

Philpott becomes the second player to depart Weymouth in as many weeks, following the exit of Robbie Pethick last week.