Striker Michael Husbands was today released by AFC Telford United – but has been offered the chance to revive his professional career with a trial at Cheltenham Town.

The former Port Vale and Macclesfield marksman reported for duty at the League One club this morning as he bids to earn a return to the Football League.

But that appears to have sealed his departure from the New Bucks Head, with Telford confirming they would not now be offering him new terms.

Assistant manager Larry Chambers said: “It’s his prerogative to go on trial elsewhere and it could be a good opportunity for him, but he hasn’t contacted me.”

Husbands admitted he had not had any contact with Chambers or manager Rob Smith since his agent set up the trials.

“Cheltenham have asked me to come down and do pre-season with them and I’m just going to see how it goes,” he added.

“I’m trying to get back in the League. I’ve always been a professional footballer and that’s what I’m used to.

“I played League One at Port Vale and I know what it’s all about. Hopefully I can get back to full fitness.”

Husbands had been hoping to represent St Lucia in World Cup qualifiers with Guatemala last month, but ended up extending a holiday in Ibiza after administrative issues got in the way.

He revealed: “My St Lucian passport never made it through in time and I was gutted because I was looking forward to going over there. There were supposed to be a few English lads going but I don’t think any of them made it, either.”