LEE Steele has ended his career-long link with Northwich Victoria.

The 35-year-old fans’ favourite will join fellow Blue Square Premier strugglers Barrow on-loan until the end of the season, bringing to an end his second stay.

Out of contract in the summer, it is likely he has kicked his last ball in green and white.

“I’m gutted to see him go,” manager Steve King told the Guardian.

“For me he still had a role to play here but Lee feels the time is right for him to move on and I can’t stand in his way.”

Steele, one of the highest earners at the Marston’s Arena, is the first player to break ranks for financial reasons.

Like his teammates, he is owed more than two months’ pay.

King added: “Lee has exercised his right to leave, something he is perfectly entitled to do in the current situation.”

The Bluebirds will now ask the Liverpool-born front man to do the same job for them as he did so brilliantly for Northwich last term – score the goals to fire them to safety.

Steele netted 13 league goals in 23 starts last term, playing a pivotal role in Dino Maamria’s Great Escape after signing for the club with whom he launched his career at the Drill Field.

He has struggled to recapture that form this term, not helped by a three-month lay off after breaking his leg at Torquay United back in September.

His return is just three league goals in 18 appearances.

How do you feel about Lee Steele's departure? Would you have liked to see the Liverpool-born striker end his career with the club? Leave your thoughts below.