LATICS Legend David Eyres admits he is "gutted" at being handed a free transfer this week é but is already targeting a future return to Boundary Park.

The out-of-contract winger was an early casualty of manager Ronnie Mooreés close-season shake-up this week, but insists he is not hanging up his boots and will continue playing next term.

"Iém not daft enough to think I can carry playing until Iém 50 years old and this definitely is not about proving people wrong," he said.

"I donét think I let anybody down when called upon this season, but Iéve been in and out of the side. Iéve said all along that é whether you are 22 or 44 years old é you need a run of games to maintain proper match fitness.

"I have spoken with my agent (Dave Lockwood) who said thereés already a couple of managers interested in my services next season, so weéll wait and see."

But after 212 first-team starts and 44 goals in all competitions for the Latics, the Advertiser columnist says it is a huge wrench to leave a club where he has acquired cult hero status since arriving in October, 2000.

"Iém devastated, frankly, but these things happen in football," he said.

"I am disappointed not to be staying, I felt like part of the furniture here but there was no offer and thatés that. I told Ronnie Moore there was no hard feelings and I will take it on the chin.

"I won trophies elsewhere but have never had a feeling for a club like this and, one day, I sincerely hope I will return in some capacity."

Alan Hardy, chief executive, admitted the decision not to award Eyres a new deal had been "particularly tough".

"When Andy Ritchie first signed David as a 36-year-old I never would have imagined he would still be performing and scoring goals six years later," he said.

"I have enjoyed watching him and heés become a club legend. David hasnét completed his coaching badges yet but his heart belongs here. He loves the club and maybe there will be an opportunity for him to return at a later date."

  • YOUTH product Danny Hall has also been released this week while fellow centre-back Gareth Owenés transfer request has been accepted. An appearance-related clause in Paul Edwardsés contract has automatically earned him a new 12-month deal, but the Advertiser understands four other contracted players é including Mark Hughes é have been told they can leave.

Moore is drawing up a list of six new faces to bring on next termés reduced playing budget, but hopes to soon agree personal terms to retain Guy Branston and Luke Beckett.