It's been quite a difficult week for the lads with so many being released by the club.

Tuesday resembled a dentist's waiting room as everyone waited to go in and see the gaffer and, although it happens every year in football, it's never easy to say goodbye to the players who aren't being kept on.

You hope everyone gets sorted out with new clubs, and I'm sure they will do, but it's hard for the likes of Craig Bentham and Tom Penford, who I've known for a lot of years now.

There probably aren't two more dedicated players in the squad and I'm confident that they will go on and make careers in the game elsewhere.

Having spoken to them, they are sad to be leaving but looking forward to a new challenge somewhere different.

This season has not been the best for us and if you'd looked at it after a couple of months, it would have been written off as a failure.

But the way we've played over the last few months has lifted everyone and maybe we'll look back on this as the start of something good happening next time.

To appreciate the good times you need to have the bad ones and we've had a few laughs along the way.

We saw the MK Dons last week and appreciate what needs to be done to be up there. They are a strong side with the outstanding player of the division in Keith Andrews but I don't think there was too much between us for 90 minutes.

We matched them quite well and could have got a draw - if I'd buried that great chance near the end. I probably had too much time.

But at least I was in good company in the dressing room. Peter Thorne and Kyle Nix have missed worse ones.

Unfortunately, I missed my penalty in training yesterday as well so I've not had the best week in front of goal!

This is my last column and I'd like to wish my replacement Hecky all the best for next season. He's got some big shoes to fill - he's a lot to live up to - and I will be reading with interest!

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