Rowlands not bitter despite U's exit (From Essex County Standard)

Rowlands not bitter despite U's exit

7:00am Friday 4th May 2012 in Sport Exclusive By Jonathan Waldron

Martin Rowlands has admitted he is disappointed not to have been offered the chance to stay at Colchester United.

But the experienced midfielder has insisted he has no hard feelings about not being given a new contract at the U’s.

Rowlands has made a positive impact for John Ward’s side over the last three months, after signing on a free transfer from Queens Park Rangers.

But the 33-year-old’s short spell at Colchester was disrupted by injuries, which restricted him to only seven starts in League One.

That has prompted boss Ward to decide against offering Rowlands a longer deal.

Rowlands said: “The manager has made his decision that he doesn’t want to keep me at the club next season.

“I know that there are budget cuts there and it’s slightly disappointing but it’s just one of those things.

“I feel that I did well when I played and that I did well for the team.

“But hopefully that bodes well for me and other clubs will see that."

Despite not being involved with the U's in recent weeks, Rowlands said his lack of action hadn't been due to injury.

He said: "I know I've had a few niggling injuries this season, but I'm not injured now and I've been fully fit for the last three games.

"I have been available, but it was made clear to me that I wouldn't be playing a part."

See Friday's Gazette for more on this story and all of the latest Colchester United news, including a full preview of the U's final game of the season at Notts County tomorrow.