RELEASED defender Ian Miller says he bears no grudges towards Grimsby Town – despite his shock Blundell Park exit.
The 29-year-old was perhaps the biggest omission when the Mariners published their list of retained players this week.
The former Darlington man was not offered an extension to his 16-month stay in Cleethorpes and was subsequently released along with seven of his team-mates.
Speaking to the Telegraph, Miller admitted he thought he had done enough to earn a new deal – having played a key part in earning the Mariners the best defensive record in the league this season.
But while naturally disappointed, the centre half has taken a philosophical approach to his release, saying 'when one doors closes, another one opens'.
Explaining his exit, he said: "You can never really tell what's going to happen in the situation I was in.
"I'd heard on the grapevine that budgets were going to be cut for next season and I did think that could affect things for me.
"But I just focused on doing everything to the best of my ability on the pitch and the rest was down to the managers and the chairman.
"You can never count your chickens too early, but I thought I'd done enough to earn another contract. However, it was a decision that wasn't to be.
"It's never nice being released from a club, but that's the nature of the beast.
"In football, when one door closes, another one opens. You've just got to take it on the chin and move on elsewhere."
He added: "I've got nothing against anyone at Grimsby Town and I thoroughly enjoyed my time there.
"It's a big club with a good fanbase and big ambitions and that's one of the reasons why I signed there in the first place."
Now a free agent, Miller is now carefully considering his next move and has revealed that he has a couple of options as to where he will ply his trade next season.
He added: "There are new challenges are on the horizon for me now which I've got to focus towards.
"That's the exciting thing about football – you never know where you're going to be or who you're going to be playing with and that's what kicks you on.
"Hopefully, I can extend my career and keep on racking up the appearances.
"I'm 29-years-old and I've been in the game a number of years and know the script. I didn't want to wait until they actually said I'd been released and then think to myself 'now what do I do?' You do prepare for the 'what ifs' if it was going to be a 'no'. I've spoken to a few people and there are a few clubs that are interested.
"So I'm going to go away and enjoy my summer before coming back and hopefully picking the right option for myself and my family."
Whichever club he decides to join next, Miller says the second result he looks out for on a Saturday will always be the Mariners' – adding he hopes the club realises its promotion dream next season.
"I don't want to be one of those players who get in a huff when they get released. I'd like to think that I've been a good professional during my time with Grimsby," he continued.
"Obviously when I do move, I'll have other interests at heart first and foremost, but I'll still be looking out for Grimsby's results.
"When you're at a club for any length of time, you'll always look back on how your old team-mates and managers are getting on.
"Hopefully, next season they can achieve their aims next season and obtain the goals that they want."
