Kerry Mayo's love affair with Brighton Football Club came to and end as the season closed, following his release by the Seagulls. The 30-year-old spent 14 years at Albion, making his first team debut back in 1996, and is currently looking for a new club and a fresh challenge. During last season, Mayo was rewarded for his loyalty by being awarded a testimonial and over 7,000 fans turned out at the Withdean Stadium to show their appreciation for his service. In fact that testimonial was actually one of Brighton's highest attendances of the campaign last term, underlining Mayo's status amongst the supporters. Givemefootball's Mark Shail is the man armed with the questions.
Q:YOU MUST HAVE BEEN DISAPPOINTED TO LEAVE BRIGHTON AFTER SPENDING SO LONG THERE?
A:Yes, obviously I was disappointed because I had been there for 14 years. Most days I would leave my house, get in my car and drive to the training round – it was almost like my second home. The club have actually allowed me to continue training with them until I find a new club, so I am keeping myself fit.
Q:WHEN DID YOU LEARN YOU WERE NOT GOING TO BE OFFERED A NEW CONTRACT?
A:I had a meeting with the then manager Dean Wilkins around Christmas time and he made it clear I wasn't in his plans for next season. I was professional enough to still be upbeat around the dressing room and come in with a smile on my face, which was hard at the time because I knew I wasn't going to be getting anything at the end of it.
Q:HAVE YOU HAD ANY CONTACT WITH CLUBS?
A:No, not as yet. Things have been very quiet this summer and I'll just have to wait and see what happens. I've sent my CV out to clubs and I'm on the PFA's disengaged list but it seems to be difficult for a lot of players. I was hoping to get two years somewhere but that may not be the case for a 30-year-old – I may have to widen my options, there are hundreds of players in a similar position to me.
Q:IS IT A CASE THAT YOU MAY HAVE TO GO ON TRIAL SOMEWHERE?
A:If I have to do that I will, I've been keeping myself fit over the summer and have been doing plenty of training so I'll be ready. There have been inquiries from some non-league clubs but I would prefer to stay in full time football if I can. I'm only 30-years-old and still feel I have a lot to offer.
Q:DO YOU THINK IT IS HARDER FOR PLAYERS TO FIND CLUBS THESE DAYS?
A:I think that is definitely the case in the lower leagues because most clubs are struggling financially. These days clubs are more likely to take a gamble on young up-and-coming players and hope they can break through or they use the loan market and sign young inexperienced players from Championship and Premiership clubs.
Q:YOU MUST HAVE BEEN PLEASED WITH THE TURN-OUT AT YOUR TESTIMONIAL?
A:Yes it was a great day. We played against Reading and had a number of Albion legends of the past in our side as well as former players like Paul Davis. Around 7,000 turned up, which was one of Albion's highest gates of last season – so I have to thank them for that.
