FOLLOWING his release by Wanderers, you could be forgiven for thinking Jeff King had an axe to grind.

But the departing star from the Professional Development League-winning Under-23s has nothing but thanks and praise for what Wanderers have done for his fledgling career.

King was told by manager Phil Parkinson he was one of the youths who would not be offered a new contract at the Macron, but he understands moving on is for his benefit.

“It’s not the news I wanted but I have no regrets, and I’ll always be thankful to the club and the gaffer for giving me the opportunity,” King told The Bolton News.

“”When you get released you have to just take it on the chin, I’ve had worse things happen to me in my life. I was released from Wigan when I was about 11 or 12, when football was everything I thought about, now I’m older I understand a lot more. And if you had told me 18 months ago I would have achieved what I have done in my time here I wouldn’t have believed it.

“The last 18 months have been the most successful and the best of my career so far.

“Winning the league title was so exciting, it has been a brilliant season, it was such a good squad of players. I’ve spoken to my mates in the squad, including the lads who I know are being kept on. Everyone is gutted, especially after we achieved something special together.”

Under the tutelage of Wanderers legends David Lee and Tony Kelly, King and his team mates enjoyed a remarkable season. And the 22-year-old, who spent most of his formative years in non-league football but got three first-team games under his belt last term, is determined to make the most of his time learning from his coaches.

“I don’t know what it is with David and Tony but they naturally give the lads in the squad a buzz on the training ground,” he said. “Both are like father figures.

“They have obviously got lots of experience and there wasn’t a day that went by where they didn’t have something to say that wasn’t worth listening to or that would help you prepare. I certainly don’t hold any grudges after what the club has done for me, and I know I’m being released for the benefit of my career.

“I’m thankful to all the people at Bolton, they gave me a great opportunity and I’ve done things I never thought I would achieve so I have nothing but good words to say about Bolton Wanderers and the people there.”