"I'VE certainly got no hard feelings towards anyone at Grimsby Town – I enjoyed my time there, I loved the fans, and the lads were a fantastic bunch."
Those are the words of former Mariners centre-half Clayton McDonald following his Blundell Park exit last month.
Since being told he was free to leave by manager Paul Hurst, the former Manchester City man has taken some time out and enjoyed a holiday.
Now, the 25-year-old, right, is weighing up his options for next season.
"It's early doors but there's been some interest from a few good clubs," he told the Telegraph. "Everyone wants to play in the Football League – but we'll see.
"The Grimsby manager explained why he wasn't offering me a new deal but I'm going to keep that between me and him.
"I wasn't sure if I'd get a deal and, to be honest, it wasn't really in my mind. I was just focused on training and being ready if called upon.
"Remember, we were only one step from Wembley, and we were desperate to get there for the fans.
"Getting 3,000-4,000 fans for a club in the Conference is just amazing, and they deserved some reward.
"I've certainly got no hard feelings towards anyone at Grimsby Town – I enjoyed my time there, I loved the fans, and the lads were a fantastic bunch.
"You live and learn as a footballer, and you have to move on."
After arriving last summer, it took McDonald time to nail down a regular place in the Town side.
However, the 6ft 6in defender was a key part of the Mariners' 14-match unbeaten run in league and cup, through November and December, before injury struck and the opportunities dried up.
"I don't what happened really," he added. "I went from playing regularly – week-in week-out – to not playing at all.
"It was a bit strange but you just have to get on with it and keep training hard.
"I was playing every week during our good unbeaten run before Christmas, but then I slipped out of the side – although I didn't feel like I was doing anything different.
"After my arm injury I came back and played five or six games on the spin. Then I pulled my hamstring at Southport, and after that I didn't really play.
"It was really disappointing and I was gutted not to play a part in the play-offs."
