Defender reacts to being released by Hartlepool United

The 27-year-old has suffered with injury since arriving at Victoria Park last summer, making just five appearances for League Two Pools.

The former Stevenage centre-back took to social media to wish Hartlepool United well for the 2016-17 campaign as he looks to secure a new club.

Worley tweeted: "Been a difficult season, injury has wiped out most of the games for me.

"However I'm back fit now and looking forward to the next challenge ahead wherever that may be.

"I wish everyone connected with Hartlepool United the best for next season."

Then Pools boss Ronnie Moore acted quickly to bring him to The Vic last summer following his release from an injury-hit spell with Stevenage.

He began his career at Stockport County before a dream £150,000 move took him to Chelsea in 2006.

The 6ft 4in Warrington-born player spent two seasons at Stamford Bridge which included loan spells at Doncaster Rovers, Carlisle United and Leicester City.

After joining Leicester on a permanent basis in 2008, he had further loan stints at Luton Town and Crewe Alexandra, before moves to Oxford United and Newport County.

Worley was released from Pools on Thursday afternoon alongside striker Scott Fenwick and fellow central defender Scott Harrison.

Hignett though has exercised contract options on Matthew Bates, Jake Carroll, Kieran Green, Carl Magnay, Rhys Oates, Billy Paynter, Jordan Richards, Connor Smith and Brad Walker, who will be staying at Victoria Park.

Talks are ongoing with several high-profile players, including Rakish Bingham, Rob Jones, Michael Woods, Michael Duckworth and Dan Jones.