JOSH Wright insists he feels ‘let down’ by Southend United following his release from Roots Hall.

The midfielder was let go by Blues boss Chris Powell at the end of the season.

But Wright feels disappointed with how the situation was handled and claims he was previously told he had triggered an extra year in his contract.

“There are hard feelings and I feel let down but it’s football and this has probably happened to thousands of players down the years,” said Wright.

“It’s not nice, but I can still look at myself in the mirror and I know that I did all I could.”

Wright joined the Shrimpers last August following his departure from Gillingham and signed a deal which included a clause for an extra year once he had played a certain number of games.

And the midfielder believed he had made enough appearances to trigger an extra 12 months.

“The manager said to me in training I had triggered an extra year and it’s just all very disappointing,” said Wright.

“It turned out there was the smallest bit of print in the contract but that situation wasn’t ever explained to me.

“Just be a man about it and tell me how it is and what’s happening.

“That’s what I would’ve wanted.

“The reason I wasn’t playing was because if I had played one more game then I had to stay on that contract and the most annoying thing in the end is he never came and spoke to me about it.

“He knew all along I was playing with pain and if my hamstring had gone again it could have ruptured, which would have meant me having an operation and being out for many months.”

Wright made 26 appearances for the Shrimpers and remains frustrated not to have been able to produce his best form.

“I had so much more to offer and that’s what annoys me the most,” said Wright.

“When I first came in, I played in a new role for me and I had some good games but some quiet ones as well which is what you would expect in a different position.

“After that, I got injured and I never really felt right after that.

“I know what I could have done if I was given the chance next season and what the supporters would have thought of me.

“But it meant a lot to me to play for Southend, an Essex club and I wish the club all the very best for the future.

“I really do hope they get back to where I think they belong.”

And Wright was also keen to thank those who made his spell at the Shrimpers enjoyable.

“The lads are great and I would like to thank Phil Brown for bringing me in and the chairman as well for his part in it too,” said Wright.

“I need to thank the fans because they were always great to me along with the physio Ben Clarkson.

“He is a fantastic guy and I would like to give him a special mention.

“It’s disappointing the way it’s ended but now it’s up to me to go and prove them wrong.

“I’m sure I’ll be back to play against Southend in the future and I very much look forward to that day.”

However, Wright does not yet know where he will be playing next season.

“There was a bit of interest before I joined Southend, so I’m hoping that will be rekindled,” said the midfielder.

“It’s a busy summer for me with my stag do and wedding coming up as well.

“But I’ll get my hamstring right, push my shoulders back and be ready to go again next season.”