Wealdstone boss Gordon Bartlett has paid glowing tribute to “fantastic servant” Sean Cronin after the defender left the Stones by mutual consent.

Cronin, 28, ended last season on loan with Isthmian League Premier Division side Grays Athletic after falling down the pecking order at Grosvenor Vale.

And having returned to the National League South side at the end of his loan stay, the former Cardiff City youngster has been allowed to leave the Stones by mutual consent, with Bartlett unable to guarantee Cronin the regular first-team football he craves.

Said Bartlett: “He has been a fantastic servant to the club over the last five years and a brilliant character.

“Despite having a season left on his contract I felt this decision was right for Sean as he cannot be guaranteed a starting place.

“He has been a great servant to Wealdstone and instrumental in much of our success over recent seasons. I would like to thank him for his excellent attitude and performances during his stay with us; it was a difficult decision but he deserved the opportunity to seek new challenges elsewhere.

“I am sure that everyone at the club will join with me in wishing him good luck and he will always be welcomed back at The Vale.”

Cronin, an Under-18, Under-19 and Under-23 international for Wales, joined the Stones in August 2010 having previously turned out for Welsh Premier League side Neath.

He went on to make more than 170 starts for Bartlett’s side and was part of the side which won the Isthmian Premier Division in 2013/14.