Former Grimsby midfielder Ciaran Toner has admitted he was shocked to be shown the door at Blundell Park but remains positive about his career.The Northern Ireland international had his contract cancelled last week and has since moved to League Two rivals Rochdale.

Toner told the Grimsby Telegraph: "It was a disappointing end to my time at Grimsby if I'm being honest. I was upset that I had to go looking for answers whether I was in the manager's plans but, once I knew what his thoughts were, it was clear I needed to look elsewhere.

"These things happen in football and it is a game that is all about opinions and decisions have to be made. But it's still not nice when you are told you aren't wanted any more - I didn't want to leave Grimsby and felt I still had something to offer.

"But I knew early on what my situation was going to be and I'm pleased to have signed with Rochdale for a year - If that wasn't going to happen at Grimsby next season then maybe it's for the best for me that I do move on."

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