EXCLUSIVE: Royston Town boss Steve Castle has confirmed to CrowSport Chris Assombalonga has left the club. Read on for Toby Miles story now.

Royston Town boss Steve Castle has exclusively revealed to CrowSport that striker Chris Assombalonga has left the Garden Walk outfit.

Contrary to reports elsewhere, legendary former Leyton Orient captain and Crows boss Castle confirmed to CrowSport on Monday that the pacey striker had informed him of his departure by text message.

Assombalonga - brother of hot-shot Middlesbrough striker Britt - was struggling for regular starts amid the Crows talented striking options.

Assombalonga - brother of hot-shot Middlesbrough striker Britt - was struggling for regular starts amid the Crows talented striking options.

Castle said: “Chris has decided to leave us which is disappointing.

“I don’t know where he’s gone, we haven’t heard anything.

“He didn’t give a reason why he was looking to leave but he lives in Peterborough and I can only assume the travelling was becoming a bit of an issue and not being involved on a week-to-week basis is frustrating.

“I was hoping he’d be getting his head down and taking the opportunities when they came, but he’s decided to not do that which is disappointing. But it gives other people opportunities.”

The loss weakens Royston further ahead of their vital clash against league leaders Kettering Town on Saturday, with centre-back Ben Martin injured and towering striker Adam Murray suspended.

Assombalonga wasn’t in the squad for Saturday’s 5-2 demolishing on Thame United in the FA Trophy, where Dave Mooney netted a hat-trick - with fellow talented striker Vance Bola on the bench.