BRIDGWATER United's veteran goalkeeper Jake Viney has announced he has left the club in search of a new challenge.

Viney made his debut for the club when he was 18 back in 2012 in a cup match against Bideford in which Bridgwater won on penalties.

He spent time away for various clubs but returned to Fairfax Park in 2015 and has been the first choice goalkeeper since.

In a statement, Viney said: "Never expected to be writing something like this during a season going as well as this one being 2nd in the league currently but following on from events over the weekend I feel time has come for me personally to make a decision to move on from Bridgwater United and find a new football challenge."

Viney added: "After signing back in 2015 to have played over 300 games for Bridgwater, the majority under Dave Pearse and Karl Baggaley, has been a massive part of my football career.

"It’s been an unbelievable 8+ years at the club and made a lot of great mates for life!"

His departure of the club, comes just days after the sacking of former manager Dave Pearse.

Andy Llewellyn took on the role as manager on Monday and in his first game in charge was able to pull of a Les Phillips Cup win over Ilfracombe on penalties.

Viney finished by saying: "I want to thank all the players I’ve played with, the goalkeeping coaches and other staff that have been involved with the club with in that time and the fans who have watched the games."