Tom Thorley pays to leave AFC Telford

The 25-year-old only signed a one-year contract when he joined from Hednesford in May, but the club say he has now agreed to pay to terminate his deal.

The midfielder, who works as a schoolteacher and drives a car, claimed he wanted to leave because of the 26-mile distance, 38-minute commute to and from the New Bucks Head.

It has now emerged Thorley, who never played a friendly for Telford, is set to rejoin the Pitmen - approximately 10 miles from his home.

Telford managing director Lee Carter said: "He spoke to us about five weeks ago to express his view that signing for Telford was impacting upon his lifestyle and he was finding the travelling from Walsall difficult.

"I said that was ridiculous as he drove here twice before signing for us. His regret was he signed a contract so quickly. He said he wanted to play elsewhere so we told him to go and find a club.

"But although we haven't heard anything from any other club, we believe he's rejoining Hednesford.

"He made it clear his only reason for leaving is the impact of travelling to Telford might have on his lifestyle and I have no reason to disbelieve him.

"We even signed Danny Glover, who's one of his best friends in football, but he still wants to leave, so it tells me he's genuine.

"He's a teacher and likes to play his football near where he lives - I believe he said the same when he left Worcester City."

Boss Steve Kittrick tried to persuade Thorley to stay by allowing him to half his training from twice to once a week.

Carter said: "The manager tried to find a compromise with Tom including allowing him to train only once per week.

"But after returning from a holiday last week, Tom expressed his desire to leave.

"After a week of negotiations with the managing director the club have accepted a cash offer from the player to terminate his contract, which was not due to start until August 8."

Thorley has become the third summer signing to leave the club before a ball has been kicked.

He followed the captures of Mat Bailey, Neil Harvey and Jay Denny, but all apart from Bailey have since left.

With substantial Conference North experience, Thorley was an integral part of the Hednesford midfield.

It saw them challenge for the play-off positions in the last two seasons and he was named the Pitmen Supporters' Player of the Season in 2013-14.