Chris Zebroski: Cheltenham Town agree contract termination

Cheltenham Town have mutually agreed to cancel the contract of striker Chris Zebroski after his absence from the matchday squad against Oxford.

The 26-year-old pulled out of the squad at late notice which he is understood to have done more than once this year.

"We're parting on good terms. It was agreed that a move was the best thing for everyone," said manager Mark Yates.

The striker had scored six times in his 24 appearances so far this season since his summer switch from Bristol Rovers.

He started his career at non-league Cirencester Town and has spells in the Football League at Plymouth, Millwall, Wycombe and Torquay.

"I think we all accept that the move didn't work out. Sometimes these things happen in football," Yates told the club's website.

"With the transfer window now open we have the opportunity to freshen up the squad ready for the second half of the season and I will be looking to do that from next week."

Zebroski was forced to do 150 hours community work in 2010 after admitting to an assault in Torquay and was sacked by Plymouth after he got into a fracas with captain Paul Wotton on a pre-season training camp in 2006.

Asked about the striker's absence following the 1-0 loss at Oxford, boss Yates told BBC Gloucestershire: "I got a phone call this morning saying 'not in'. He took a whack in training as well.

"I'll let you know more when I find out myself, as it was a late shout."

The Robins have though extended the loan spell of midfielder Jake Taylor for a further month.

Taylor, 21, arrived in November on a two-month deal and has so far made eight appearances for the club.