Leatherhead defender Chris Boulter has been labelled a superb ambassador for non-league football by Tanners chairman Peter Ashdown.

The centre back quit the club on Thursday having after his contract, which ran until the end of the season, was terminated by mutual consent Boulter, who made a 138 appearances for Leatherhead and scored 11 goals, has struggled with injury since the beginning of December and had been on unpaid leave.

The former skipper, who lifted the Ryman league Cup in 2010, famously played every minute of every competitive match in the 2009/10 season and led the team into the Ryman Premier League via the play-offs in May.

“As well as being a fine player, who always led by example on the pitch, he is a thoroughly nice man and dealings with him were always a pleasure," said Ashdown.

“As a contracted player, when injured, he was entitled to continue to be paid, but typical of the individual, when he had to take a three-week break before Christmas to attempt to recover from a series of niggling injuries , he immediately insisted on unpaid leave.

"He didn’t think he should be paid if he was unfit to play.

“Chris has been a first class servant to the Tanners and we all wish him well in the future, and will of course always welcome him back to the Grove to meet up with old friends.

"Boults has been a superb ambassador for non-league football wherever he has played, and will be sorely missed by everyone."