Thanks for the memories

LEE Croft is heading for pastures new.

LEE Croft has paid tribute to Athletic’s fans as he prepares for a summer move to a new club.

A switch to Championship club Doncaster to work under his old boss Paul Dickov is a strong possibility for the hard-working ex-Manchester City and Derby player following confirmation he would not be returning to Boundary Park.

The way the departure was relayed on Athletic’s official website left a sour taste for Croft, who said that if a deadline expired to accept the offered deal, he wasn’t aware of it.

“I hadn’t turned anything down,” 27-year-old Croft said - explaining that his agent has been in charge of a future deal.

“I didn’t have a physical contract offer, really. What I had was a verbal offer from the end of the season. There was nothing in writing and I hadn’t discussed the length of the contract.

“The supporters have been fantastic with me and I don’t want them to think I am showing the club disrespect, because I’m not. It is a fantastic club, Oldham.

“Whether there was some miscommunication on the part of my agent and Lee Johnson regarding a deadline, I don’t know.

“I was biding my time. I wanted to see what would progress with Oldham. That won’t happen now, but it is really important to stress that I loved my time at the club and wish everyone well for the future.”

No Latics player made as many appearances (53) last season as Croft, who missed only one game.

Croft becomes the second close-season player, after Matt Smith, to have left the club.