Ricky Gabriel has left Braintree Town.

The left-sided Iron full-back posted a message on his Twitter account saying he had left the club with seven games of the Vanarama National League season to go.

Chairman Lee Harding told the Braintree and Witham Times last week that, with the threat of relegation looming, some members of the squad would have to depart before the end of the season.

Gabriel said in his Twitter statement: "Unfortunately my time at Braintree Town FC has come to an end.

"I've enjoyed my time here over the last two seasons, (I am) leaving with some great memories winning promotion to Conference Prem last year via the play-offs.

"I would also like to thank the management teams through my whole time here, having helped me as a player and also would like to thank the fans who I have built up a relationship with and have supported me my whole time being here.

"So with that being said, I would like to wish the club the best for the rest of the season and future."

Gabriel was brought in last season by former manager Brad Quinton and was an integral part of the Iron squad that won promotion to the National League as they triumphed in the National League South play-offs last May.

He wasn't involved in the opening weeks of this season in the National League, but had a first showing in the 2-0 home defeat by Maidstone on August 27 before going on to make a total of 30 appearances.

His final Iron game was as a substitute in the 2-1 loss at Solihull Moors last weekend after returning from a three-match suspension having been sent off at Dover Athletic at the start of the month.