SAM Ricketts says the bitterness of leaving Wanderers has subsided now he is enjoying a fresh lease of life with Wolves.

It came as something of a shock when the Wales international had his contract terminated by mutual consent in the summer – not least to the player himself.

Now skipper at Molineux, the versatile defender says he does not hold any grudges.

“It got to the point where I had a year left,” he explained. “I didn’t want to go, I wanted to stay. But the club made a decision they didn’t want to give me a new contract and they couldn’t guarantee me football. So, I wasn’t prepared to sit on the sidelines and take my money. I wanted to go and play football.

“At the time I was bitterly disappointed. We had been speaking about a new deal and then all of a sudden it was taken away from me. Now, I wouldn't regret coming to Wolves at all. I really enjoy the challenge and moving clubs has inspired me.

“To be captain as well is an honour and I relish it. The club has had a bad couple of years and there is a new gaffer and a new group of players and we are trying to turn it around.”