"It's very strange for me to come into the club and see the pitch knowing that I won't be playing on it, it's a very weird feeling. I've done two years here and will be leaving for Leyton Orient on Monday and go from there.
The last two years at Bury have without doubt been the best two years since I started playing football.In the first year we missed out on promotion by one goal, and that still haunts me.To not go up because we didn't score one more goal, but the second year was a worse feeling.We beat Rochdale at Gigg Lane in February and went second in the table.Right throughout the summer and after watching the play off games, we are still not there.It hurt even more than the first year.Obviously I've enjoyed the two years but the downside was not going up.
The good thing is, and after hearing about the players that are coming in, I think Bury will be right up there again.You only have to look at Rochdale and see what they have done, it took them three years before they went up and I believe Bury will challenge in the new season.
It changed after the Rochdale game, I don't know why.Probably nerves again.On a personal level I thought I didn't perform, and I told that to the gaffer.The contract situation didn't help, so on my own levels, my performances dipped a little.I was disappointed with it because the club deserved more, the fans deserved more but it happens and it's just a shame that we didn't go up.Now it's a new season and we all have a fresh challenge.Whoever the manager brings in will do just as good a job, if not better.
When Alan Knill first talked to me about coming to Bury, he said he would make me a better player.He's done it.When I first came I just ran around and tried to win games on my own.The team he put together, every player was as good as the other and we all had to work hard for each other.Over the last two years here, I have come on as a player and now I have the chance of playing in a higher league.If it wasn't for Bury, Alan Knill and all the players then I wouldn't have been able to do that.Looking back now over the two years, I have become better.
Alan Knill is the best manager that I have ever worked with, for the simple reason that he's given me the chance to express myself, to enjoy my football again and I can't thank the man enough.It's the same with Chris Brass, he's been there for me, and he's helped me out.They've both been there before games and after game's.
I've heard a few things from the fans like how can he leave the club after all that has gone on, or as soon as he gets a better contract he's off.It did hurt a bit because I thought over the last two years I have given my all to Bury Football Club.There were some games that I haven't been great in, but I've still given 110%, and I still give it all every time I wore the shirt.That did annoy me but you are not going to please everyone in football.I know there are always going to be people in football that give it out and say bad stuff, but you get used to it.People have been saying that I big up the club, the manager then just jump ship.Its not like that.Everyone knows what this club means to me.The players are a great bunch of lads, probably the best bunch of lads that I have ever worked with, it's the same with the fans - they've been great with me, they took to me and hopefully I've given them a bit back.
Getting player of the season for the second time was a surprise, because after the Rochdale game my form did dip badly and I think I let the team down.I told the gaffer that but he said I didn't.A lot of fans were not happy when I turned down the contract in January.It was a chance for me to see if I could play higher, and now I've got the chance.I was chatting to 8 or 9 clubs, some bigger than Leyton orient.Russell Slade is very similar to the gaffer here, he takes a lot of pride in what he wants to do and how he goes about it.When I met him, it was just like chatting to Alan Knill.
I go to London on Tuesday and straight into pre-season training on Wednesday.I'm starting again now, I'm moving down to London on my own.I don't know anyone; I don't know where I am going.It's a chance I am taking.I don't know any of the players, I know nothing about the club and it's a big challenge but I am looking forward to it.
I've made a lot of friends here, not just at the club but in the stands as well.This club will go on and will get better and better, just look at the last two years, where the club has come from and where it's going.Players come and go, I know the players that are coming in and the club will go one better this year.
All I want to say to everyone connected to this club is thanks very much.I hope I've given my all for this club in the two years and I hope that you have appreciated it.I will never forget it and all those that know me.The fans voted me player of the year twice and that means a lot to me.It's been a great two years and I've loved every minute of it.This is a chance to play higher and if we'd have gone up, I'd have signed straight away.Hopefully Bury FC will be there next year and playing Orient the season after.Thank you to everyone at the club, the players, the fans and the manager - its been great."
