LENNIE Johnrose admitted it has been a sad week having been released by Clarets boss Stan Ternent but added: "I had a great time at the club."

Now, like 100s of footballers across the country, the 32-year-old faces an uncertain future as he waits for the phone to ring with offers of work for next season.

He admitted: "I don't know whether the current problem with television money had a bearing on the gaffer's decision but it is a tough time for clubs at the moment.

"I don't think many will be rushing around bringing in new players until the situation with ITV Digital is sorted out.

"All I can do is keep myself fit, wait by the phone and see what happens. Life has to go on."

It was just over three years ago that Burnley paid Bury £225,000 for the competitive midfielder.

He played a key role in the club winning promotion from the second division but this season has been a very frustrating one for him.

"It has been a nightmare really," he explained. "It took me a long time to get fit after a couple of operations last summer and then around Christmas time I got injured again.

"It has only been in the last month that I was able to get playing for the reserves again.

"The ops I had last summer meant I was well behind after pre-season training but I played in a few reserve games and got back onto the bench. Then I tweaked my hamstring after coming on against Preston.

"I came back again and then tore my calf in training. I thought it would just be a couple of weeks but it went on and it has only been the last few weeks that I have had no problem."

After all his setbacks this season that is at least one positive for Johnrose as he looks to show prospective new clubs that he has something to offer.

"In a way I hope that having missed so much of this season, it will add another year on to my career as I am fresh," he said.

As he looked back on his Turf Moor career Johnrose explained: "Winning promotion is my greatest memory. I had a great time at Burnley and the lads are brilliant.

"I have won a few promotions in my time and they have all meant a lot to me. You can look back when you retire and know you have achieved things

"And I want the chance to say goodbye to the fans because they have always been great as far as I have been concerned. They are superb."

It was on Tuesday that Johnrose learned he had no future at the club along with five of his team mates.

"Me and the gaffer go back a long way but it was fairly short and sweet," he said. "He just told me he could not offer me a new contract and thanked me for what I've done."

Born in Preston, he began his career at Blackburn Rovers where he played 42 league games before moving to Hartlepool. After a short stay there he signed for Bury where he flourished, especially when Ternent took over.

He played in 72 league games for the Clarets but must now wait to see what will happen next in his career.

The parting was certainly on good terms for both parties and Ternent has already wished him well, a sentiment sure to be echoed by the Turf Moor faithful.