Joe Lolley has explained his decision to leave Nottingham Forest.

The 30-year-old completed a move to Australian side Sydney FC on a two-year deal, bringing his four-year stint at Forest to an end. Lolley who played a part in Forest's promotion campaign was told he wasn't part of Steve Cooper's plans ahead of the new season.

So far in the A-League for Sydney, Lolley has contributed with two goals and an assist in the opening six games. Speaking to Sky Sports about his departure from the City Ground, he explained: "I wasn't a regular starter in the season we got promoted.

"I had a year left on my contract, so I was thinking about whether to try and find somewhere to play regular football. In the end, I decided to stay for a year and do what I could to just be around the squad and help in whatever way I could.

"Then, a week into pre-season, I found out I wasn't part of the plans. I wasn't bitter that I had to leave, but the way in which it was done. I'd played a lot of games for the club, was very close with a lot of players and I had a good relationship with the club and the fans, who deserve to be in the Premier League.

"In many ways, I guess they took it out of my hands and it made the decision easier that it was time to leave."