NICK Colley feels let down by Worcester City manager Richard Dryden's decision to release him.

Colley has been deemed surplus to requirements for next season and joins George Clegg, Chris Smith and Ryan Clarke on their way out of St George's Lane.

But the 33-year-old midfielder, who has made more than 100 appearances for the club, was surprised to be shown the door.

He said he was led to believe City would offer him a new deal and had turned down approaches from Chasetown, where he had dual registration, and Halesowen Town for next season.

Colley said: "I am a little bit aggrieved about it because all along I was led to believe there was a deal.

"I asked Richard what his plans for me were and he openly said he didn't want me to go to Chasetown and wanted me to stay. The rest of the season has unfolded. I managed to get back in the side and was grateful for my opportunity.

"But I was playing with a fractured arm and groin problems. I thought I was doing people a favour by playing and thought I was OK for next year. I didn't feel I needed to go to the manager to talk about my future because I thought it was sorted.

"I had other players saying they had heard from good sources that I was there next season. But we had a meeting on Monday and things had changed.

"I don't go back on my word but people don't always do what they say they are going to do.

"I feel as though I have been judged on the last six or seven games when I was injured. A lot of the reasons the manager mentioned why I was going I didn't agree with.

"It's not sour grapes but I would like people to know that this is what has happened."

He added: "It's soured the end of my career at Worcester City but it's not the club. I feel a little bit let down by individuals.

"I am really grateful for the opportunity of playing for Worcester they have done a lot for me. I am going to miss a lot of good people."

Boss Dryden said: "It's a hard thing to do and he's disappointed, which is fair enough, but I have got to try and look forward.

"You can't deny Nick gave his all when he was on the pitch but we have got to try and move on and challenge for the play-offs next year."

Striker Rory May has been invited back for pre-season training.