Watford coach Alec Chamberlain has praised Stuart Searle after the goalkeeper asked for his contract to be cancelled by mutual consent.

The former Chelsea coach and Reserve team keeper arrived in January and provided cover for Scott Loach and Richard Lee.

However, last week Searle approached Watford and asked for his contract to be terminated.

Chamberlain, who made more than 250 appearances for Watford, said: “Stuart has come from a totally different background, working as a coach at Chelsea and playing for their reserves.

“But he has made a decision, to his credit, where he wants to go rather than sit here, just train and pick up his money.

“He wants to go and play football and I for one totally understand that. Stuart is now going to look for something in League One or Two or a top non-league side, so he’s playing regular football and I think that’s to his credit really.

“We all wish him well, he trained with me and he worked hard at his game and I’m sure that will continue wherever he goes.”