Midfielder Carl Pettefer says he has no bad feelings towards Oxford United boss Darren Patterson, despite being released by the U's at the end of last season.

Pettefer, 27, joined United from Southend in the summer of 2006 and his hard-working displays in the middle of the park saw him become a regular fixture in Jim Smith's side.

However, last season, Pettefer was not a regular and was transfer-listed by Patterson in January. He was released at the end of April.

"It wasn't a shock," said Pettefer.

"It was always on the cards because I wasn't playing. Darren was OK about it and told me that I wasn't the right player for him.

"I'm not bitter about it, these things happen in football - sometimes a manager likes you, and sometimes you are not their cup of tea."

Pettefer, who was signed as a trainee by the then Portsmouth manager and England 1966 World Cup legend Alan Ball, made three appearances for Pompey's first team in 1999, before he went on loan for a season to Exeter City.

He returned to Portsmouth, where he played in the reserves for a season, and then joined Southend.

After fighting back from a broken leg, Pettefer played every game in the 2004-5 season - a total of 56 games - helping Southend win the League Two play-off final at the Millennium Stadium with a 2-0 victory against Lincoln City.

"I really enjoyed my time at Southend," he said.

"But injury restricted my appearances and I was no longer sure of a first-team place so I decided to join Oxford."

It was Oxford No 2 Andy Awford, who coached him at Pompey, that convinced him to drop two divisions to join United.

"I was impressed by the ambition here," he said.

"It's a massive club. They shouldn't be in the Conference - they should be at least a League One side.

"Unfortunately, it all went a bit pear-shaped and we didn't get promotion. The way it happened was very disappointing - I don't really know what went wrong.

"Last season I didn't play many games, but the ones I played in I thought I did well. When I was transfer-listed, Darren did give me a fair chance, but I wasn't what he was looking for."

Pettefer admitted that a number of clubs, including Football League outfits had been in contact, though he refused to divulge any names.

"I have spoken to a few, but I don't want to put a curse on anything," he said.

"I have kept up my fitness and am just waiting for a couple of weeks to see what happens. I would love to be playing back in the League again.

"Ideally, I would like to sign for a club near to where I live, like Bournmouth, but if my only option is to move away from here then I will do that."

Pettefer, who was managed by Tony Pulis and Harry Redknapp at Portsmouth, said he was optimistic he would secure a new club by the start of the season.

He added: "I still feel I have a lot to offer the game.

"I am still relatively young and hopefully, I have still got a few good years in me yet.

"I still have a soft spot for Oxford. In my first season, I enjoyed my foootball more than any other time.

"The way it all ended was disappointing, but that's football and you have to get on with it."