Veteran striker Steve Howard has agreed to leave Hartlepool United by mutual consent.

The 37-year-old, who started his career at the League Two club, returned to Victoria Park from Sheffield Wednesday in the summer of 2012.

"As the club continues to find ways to reduce its overhead costs, we can announce that a mutual agreement has been reached with striker Steve Howard for him to leave the club," read an official Hartlepool statement.

"Steve, whose contract was due to expire at the end of the season and who has been unable to secure a first-team place in recent months, has agreed a financial settlement which is to the benefit of the club to reduce its costs and acceptable to him."

Howard has played for a variety of clubs, including Luton Town, Derby County and Leicester City, during his 18-year career.