DEFENDER Scott Barrow admits he’s “shocked” and “gutted” to be told his Newport County AFC career is over after just 12 months at Rodney Parade.

The departure of the left-back, who has also played regularly in midfield, was the biggest surprise as manager Warren Feeney issued his retained and released list this morning.

Barrow was one of eight players not to be offered a new deal.

He joins Rhys Taylor, Joe Green, Matt Partridge, Seth Nana Twumasi, Nathan Ralph, Yan Klukowski and Dean Morgan in leaving the club.

“I’m a bit shocked, to be honest,” said the 27-year-old from Swansea.

“I thought I’d done enough to earn a new contract.

“I was pretty confident because I think my performances this year have been good.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time at Newport. I made 38 appearances and I always gave it my all.

“I know I haven’t got the skill of Medy Elito and I know I’m not big and strong but I offer hard work, desire and determination – I’ll always give 110 per cent for the team.

“But football is a strange game and I’ve got to accept it.

“I am gutted to be leaving,” he added. “I’m a Welsh lad and I was living the dream playing in the Football League with a Welsh club.

“I’ve loved being at home in Wales where my family can watch me play on their doorstep but it looks like I’ll be on the road again next season and so will they.”

Despite his disappointment, however, Barrow has no issue with Feeney.

“I’m a Swansea fan so I fully respect the gaffer,” he told the Argus. “He’s a great manager and there are no hard feelings there.

“I would have liked more games in my best position at left-back but he let me play with freedom in midfield and I enjoyed that.

“I’ve nothing against him at all – either a manager likes you or he doesn’t and I’ve just got to dust myself off now and get on with it. It’s a new chapter.

“The gaffer and my agent have already had calls about my availability for next season.”

Barrow also thanked the Exiles fans for their support through what proved to be a testing time for everyone at the club.

“The fans have been superb with me, always supportive and I love hearing them sing my song,” he said.

“Sometimes they’ve been frustrated with results but they’ve stuck with us home and away and I can’t thank them enough.

“I’m gutted the way it’s ended because I wanted to help get the club up the league next season – the fans deserve that after the way this season went.

“I hope they do well next year and I will be looking out for the results.

“Hopefully I’ll be able to come back and play at Rodney Parade again one day.”