Lita, 35, signed for City in November 2019 and appeared 14 times for the Clarets in all competitions and scored 2 goals, one against Hornchurch in the Essex Senior Cup and the other against Tonbridge in manager Robbie Simpson's first win in charge in February 2020.

Lita (pictured) started his youth career with Chelsea before moving on in 2002, signing for Bristol City scoring over 30 goals for the Robins.

He has also played in the Premier League with Reading and Swansea City respectively.

With plenty of Football League experience, Leroy has featured for the likes of Middlesbrough, Birmingham City, Sheffield Wednesday, Brighton & Hove Albion, Barnsley, Notts County and Yeovil Town.

He has even played abroad for AO Chania in Greece and Sisaket in Thailand.

At international level, Lita made 9 appearances for the England under-21's, scoring 6 goals.

Simpson told https://www.chelmsfordcityfc.com: "Leroy's experience was vital after the change in management and I thank him for that, and I wish him well in his next move."

Higgins re-joined the Clarets from East Thurrock United for a second spell in May 2019, after previously featuring for City in the 2010/11 season.

During his first spell with City, he made 28 appearances, scoring 16 goals, including the equalising goal against Wycombe Wanderers with a curled free-kick in the FA Cup Second Round.

This season he scored 12 goals in 33 appearances taking his overall total to 61 games and 28 goals.

Simpson said: "Sam had an up and down season mainly due to injury but we all know he is a proven goalscorer at this level. Therefore, we offered him a contract at lesser terms, but Sam decided to move on."

Meanwhile, Tom Wraight has agreed terms to stay at the club for the 2020/21 season.

He will also be vice-captain for the upcoming campaign.

Wraight signed for the club in May 2018 after joining from Maidstone United.

Chelmsford born Wraight earlier played for Witham Town and East Thurrock, scoring 19 goals in the National League South in the 2016/17 season for the Rocks.

Wraight spent most of last season out injured after suffering a serious knee injury in the FA Cup defeat at Corinthian-Casuals but still managed to score 4 goals.

He has in total played 64 games for the Clarets and scored 14 goals.

He is also known for his exceptional versatility, playing for the Clarets in almost every position except goalkeeper!

Simpson said “I think Wraighty really stepped up to the plate when he came back from injury last year. He is a fantastic professional and you can see that by how sharp he was in the last few weeks of the season. I’m delighted to keep him at the club”.