Rai Simons has left Sky Bet League Two side Chesterfield after turning down a new contract.

Simons, who was expected to remain at the Proact Stadium at least until he had recovered from an Achilles injury, is no longer a registered player at the Derbyshire club.

Ashley Carson, a club director, told the Derbyshire Times: “We offered Rai a new contract but he has not accepted it so he is no longer a registered player.”

The 21-year-old forward required surgery for a ruptured Achilles tendon, sustained in April against Scunthorpe United in a League One match.

Simons was among four players — Ian Evatt, Laurence Maguire, Dan Gardner — to be offered new deals by the club, who released 12 players after suffering relegation last season.

It is understood Gary Caldwell, the Chesterfield manager, had high hopes for Simons and believed he had plenty more to offer.

“I think he can get better, physically, he can still improve and once he plays games regularly he will improve,” Caldwell told The Star towards the end of last season.

Simons, who signed for Chesterfield in April 2015 from non-League Ilkeston, made 24 appearances last term without scoring. He scored five goals in 22 appearances during the 2015-16 season.

The Bermuda player, who has won five caps for his country, incurred the wrath of Chesterfield’s previous manager, Danny Wilson, after he refused a loan move Vanarama National League side York City in October last year.

Wilson was keen for Simons to gain some first-team football at York and was frustrated by his player’s unwillingness to make the temporary switch.

“There were plans to send him but he refused to go,” Wilson told The Derbyshire Times. “York City wanted to take him but he wanted to see what happens in January.

“When you’ve got opportunities to go and play National League level, it’s important. That would have been as good an education as anything and a big help to throw down a marker to me for the first team.”

n Reggie Lambe, 26, played a full match in Carlisle United’s drab 0-0 draw away to non-League side Halifax at the weekend.

The Bermuda winger showed glimpses of attacking intent, particularly during the first half when he went close to scoring with a glancing header that lacked conviction.

Carlisle, who lost to Exeter City in the play-off semi-finals last season, start their campaign with a home match against Swindon Town next weekend.