Jon Macken: No hard feelings after axe

Jon Macken today admitted the writing was on the wall at Walsall after he was axed in the Saddlers' summer clearout.

But the striker insisted he doesn't blame boss Dean Smith and wants to continue his career.

Macken, Oliver Lancashire, Kevan Hurst, Anton Peterlin, Connor Deards and Jonny Haynes were all given the chop by Smith yesterday.

And the 34-year-old, who was the Saddlers' joint eight-goal top scorer last season, knew his time was up.

Macken said: "You could sense it coming but whatever's gone on I wish them all the best. It's one person's decision, whether it's down to money or personal opinion. I don't know what's going on at the football club.

"I've got no hard feelings and why should I? I've been in the game a long time and that's football. I've enjoyed it, they are great lads and it's been an experience, so to speak.

"I had two good years at the club and at the end of the day you move on. It happens to most people in football."

Macken helped the Saddlers survive at Southampton on the final day of last season after a free transfer in 2010 and scored 17 goals in 83 games and said he leaves with fond memories.

"Southampton was great, it was a big achievement coming back from the position we found ourselves in being nine points adrift at one stage," he said.

"This year has been a good season depending on how you look at it."

And the former Preston and Barnsley hitman, who cost Manchester City £5m in 2002, insisted he wants to continue playing and will assess his options in the summer.

He said: "I'd like to carry on for a year or two. I'm 34 and have just played most of the games last season. I can be proud of that, I'm fit and I can keep performing to a certain level."

Winger Hurst and defender Lancashire were the other two high profile players axed with the pair playing 37 and 24 games respective last term.

Goalkeeper Jimmy Walker will discuss his future with Smith next week while the manager will talk to Ryan Jarvis once his loan spell at Torquay ends after the League Two play-offs.