STAR striker Justin Bennett is to leave Gosport Borough at the end of the season.

Borough's all-time record goalscorer is no longer enjoying his football amid all the off-field problems that have plagued the Vanarama National League South club.

He tweeted: "It's with great sadness that I announce that this season will be my last with @GosportBoroFC - I've had an amazing 9 years at the club... but all good things come to an end! Made great friends and have wonderful memories from my time #uptheborough".

Having put themselves in a great position to challenge for promotion, Gosport’s ambitions were thwarted when they were placed under a transfer embargo because of money owed to HM Revenue & Customs.

That debt has since been paid in full, but the air of uncertainty surrounding the cash-strapped club has seen several players depart.

Inevitably that has taken its toll on results with last weekend’s 1-0 reverse at Hemel Hempstead making it five league defeats in a row.

Bennett’s decision to announce his impending departure early is to alert clubs to his availability.

Ideally he would like to stay at VNLS level and that could well spark renewed interest from neighbours Havant & Waterlooville who had a bid turned down for him earlier in the season.

“I still think I have a couple of good seasons left in me,” said Bennett, who topped the league’s scoring charts last term and has 20 goals to his name this season.

Responding to the news, Gosport Borough FC tweeted: "You'll always be a Boro' legend @jbennett_10. Let's hope for a great end to the season and send you off in style."