Ross joined the club in November last year but had struggled to find the form he had as Ilkeston's top scorer.

He was placed on the transfer list at the end of last season but last night (Thursday), manager John Reed, director Chris Brindley and Ross himself agreed to the termination of the contract. A number of clubs have expressed interest in him but he has yet to sign for anyone.

Reed explained: "I want to go a different way with the strike partnership. "He is disappointed but we just felt that for the kind of finances we were giving him, we were not getting value for money.

"I wish him very well and we have parted on good terms. I would like to thank him for what he did in the short time he was at Buxton."

Buxton's programme of pre-season friendlies kicks off tomorrow when they visit John Reed's former club Hatfield Main, kick off 3pm.

Reed's squad for the match is set to feature two new triallists, ex Barrow forward Gavin Knight and young midfielder/full back Danny Smith, who has been released by Barnsley.