FOREST Green Rovers have released goalkeeper Steve Arnold.

And Rovers boss Mark Cooper, who appointed former Swindon Town goalkeeping coach Steve Hale this week, will begin the search to find a replacement to compete with Jonny Maxted for the number one spot.

Arnold's first season at the New Lawn was blighted by injury after former boss Ady Pennock snapped him up from Stevenage in the summer of 2014.

He finally made his debut in February 2015 when Pennock dropped fans' favourite Sam Russell and he went on the make 14 league appearance that season, including the Play-Off Semi-Finals against Bristol Rovers.

Despite another injury-marred start to his second campaign, the 6’5” stopper took over from Jonny Maxted in Rovers' 2-1 win over Wimbledon in the first-round of the FA Cup in November.

He played every minute of the remaining 29 games including the Play-Off Semi-Finals against Dover Athletic and Promotion Final against Grimsby Town at Wembley.

The 26-year-old made 45 appearances in all competitions, including 43 matches in the league, over a two-year spell at The New Lawn – he kept 16 clean sheets.

A club spokesman said: "The club would like to warmly thank Steve for all his efforts during his time at Forest Green Rovers and wish him all the best in his future career."