The ex-Bracknell Bees star signed for Jets in early January and played seven matches under Moran.

However, after the defeat to Sheffield Steeldogs on February 15, he left in a hurry and then failed to show for the following night’s clash with Basingstoke Bison.

All efforts to contact Watchorn, below, have failed and he has not been seen at training or matches since his mysterious disappearance.

Moran, who saw his side beat title-chasing Guildford Flames last weekend before losing to play-off rivals Peterborough Phantoms, says it is sad to see Watchorn go but that the decision to axe him from the roster had to be made.

Moran told the Observer: “Brad has some stuff going on in his personal life that I don’t know a lot about or want to comment on. He is a great guy in the dressing room and it’s sad to let him go, but he couldn’t commit to us for every game and training.

“Also, he would have to play every game from now to be eligible for the play-offs so that was one reason we let him go.

“It’s never an easy decision but it’s in the best interests of the club. I still haven’t spoken to him, which is frustrating, but I’m not going to hold it against him.” Watchorn’s departure is another setback for Jets after a weekend when they slipped to the foot of the English Premier Ice Hockey League.

They are still in with a shot of making the play-offs but face a tricky run in, starting with a double header against Basingstoke Bison this weekend.

Moran acknowledges his side are up against it but insists he cannot ask for any more from his largely inexperienced roster.

“I can’t fault them at all, they are doing their best and have got a lot to learn,” he said. “It’s going to be tough to make the play-offs but we will keep fighting until the end.

“The fans have been massive for us, I can’t fault them at all. We appreciate their support and it’s great to see more people at the rink.” Reflecting on last weekend’s superb win over Guildford, Moran added: “It was a massive result and it proves that we can beat anybody in the league.” Jets go to Basingstoke Bison tomorrow (Saturday) before hosting the same opponents on Sunday (both 6.30pm f/o).