Paul Henderson has rejected the chance to stay at Valley Parade.

The Australian keeper last night turned down City's offer of a new three-year contract after a week of deliberating.

It means that Henderson, who has made 43 consecutive appearances, will be the next player to leave the club in the summer.

Colin Todd said: "It's been an ongoing situation that has now come to a head and Paul has decided to further his career somewhere else.

"He has done a good job for us and we wish him well, wherever he might be next season."

The club will be disappointed to see Henderson go - and so will the fans who serenaded him with chants of "Aussie's number one" during games. At Doncaster recently, they shouted "sign a contract" every time he took a goal kick in front of the away end.

City had hoped the carrot of

guaranteed first-team football might persuade him to put pen to paper. But the 28-year-old clearly feels the consistent form that has earned him a regular chance since being plucked from obscurity nine months ago will catch the eye of another club.

Nottingham Forest watched Hender-son a couple of times in February but did not firm up their interest.

Now he is happy to gamble on attracting an offer over the summer, which opens the door for Donovan Ricketts to press his claims to take over between the sticks at Valley Parade.

Meanwhile, Lee Crooks has had a scan on the groin injury that will keep him out of Saturday's clash with Brentford - the third game in a row he has missed.

Michael Symes is also crocked for the rest of the season after damaging his ankle in training.