ADAM Bailey-Dennis yesterday revealed he has been released by Conference Premier basement club Braintree Town – but outlined his intention to return to the Football League.

The 22-year-old defender, who made over 100 appearances for Alan Devonshire’s side after joining in 2009, confirmed he was effectively released from his weekly contract after speaking to Devonshire following training on Thursday night.

The former Colchester United reserve team player started his first game for over six weeks for the Iron just two days before – a dispiriting FA Trophy first round 2-1 home defeat to Blue Square Bet South bottom-three side Havant and Waterlooville – but insists there are no hard feelings between the two parties.

“I’m obviously disappointed to have left the club but we have parted ways on good terms,” the towering centre-back said.

“I spoke to the manager on Thursday after training, we discussed a few things and I was handed my seven-day notice.

“But he wished me well and I said thanks to him and that I wish the club well too.

“I wanted to stay but unfortunately these things just happen in football. I’ve told the boys and they were shocked.

“At the beginning of the season they offered me a contract but I kept to a week-to-week basis to keep my options open. Maybe that put them in a sticky situation.

“But it’s been the best three or four seasons of my career. I’ve learnt and developed a lot.

“I played in the FA Cup live on TV, won the Blue Square Bet South, played over 100 games for them and had some great times there.

“It is a great shame I’ve left Braintree because it’s a great club with brilliant staff, players and fans, but I wish them all the best.”

Bailey-Dennis played in all but one game of the Iron’s 2010/11 Blue Square Bet South championship-winning campaign as they conceded just 33 goals in 42 league outings.

He was a chief mainstay of the defence as Braintree finished 12th last season – their highest-ever league position – and Bailey-Dennis believes his future lies within the Football League.

“I’ve only just turned 22 and think I have a lot to offer,” he said. “I want to get back into the Football League – you want to play in as high a league as possible.

“I hadn’t been playing as much in the last couple of weeks, which doesn’t do me any good. You need to be playing every week so that was a little frustrating.

“But I’m going to get my head down and kick on now. I’m ready for my next challenge.”

Meanwhile, with Braintree plummeting to the bottom of the division and three points from safety as results conspired against them on Tuesday, Bailey-Dennis remains confident they can avoid relegation – starting with a win away to 19th-placed Southport today.

“I’m not sure if Alan is going to bring in a couple of players or not but they are too good to be bottom of the league,” he added.

“We’ve had four postponements which badly affects you as a part-time club. We only train an hour on Tuesday and an hour on Thursday and you struggle for fitness.

“But I’ll be keeping an eye on them for the rest of the season and I’m sure they’ll get out of trouble.”