LIAM Hearn was sad to see eight of his Grimsby Town team-mates depart this month – but insists that some of them "never showed their true potential."
The 'Hitman' is one of 13 players on the Mariners' books after joint bosses Paul Hurst and Rob Scott wielded the axe at the end of the last campaign.
Greg Fleming, Ian Miller, Bradley Wood, Derek Niven, Frankie Artus, Simon Ford, Louie Soares and Greg Pearson all moved on as their contracts ran out.
And Hearn, who has a year left on his current deal, believes that Mariners fans never saw the best from some of that list.
"I was sad to see the lads go because we're all good mates, but I've learnt that's just football," Hearn told the Telegraph.
"The gaffers want to create a side that's going to challenge for the league title, and if they feel that people aren't going to help us progress, then that's a decision they have to make.
"As harsh as that sounds, that's just the reality of football.
"For one club you can be the next best thing, but you can go to another club and things just don't work out. I feel that some people for us just never really showed their true potential in games, and unfortunately that's led to them not getting new deals."
Since the departure of those eight players, Town's co-managers have dipped their toes in the market just once, to bring winger Scott Neilson back to Blundell Park on a permanent basis.
"Scott's return is a massive boost for us all," added Hearn, who missed much of last season with a ruptured Achilles.
"I was disappointed when he left last year before I came back from injury because I could see he is a great player and creates a lot of goals.
"Signing him is obviously beneficial to us as a club because he can be a match-winner on his day.
"Any additions to the side that will help us improve are always welcome."
"There is a lot to build on and I know the gaffers will be looking to bring players in who they feel can get us promotion.
"That's what they're here for, and I know, as a people, they won't settle for anything less.
"I've got complete faith that they will do the right thing and sign some good players to put us up there again next season."
