Jay Lovett admits he is “gutted” after being shown the door at Priory Lane.

Lovett was expecting to be offered a new contract after helping Eastbourne Borough finish in mid-table in their debut season in Blue Square premier.

Instead he was one of five players to be released as manager Garry Wilson looks to freshen up his squad over the summer.

The departures of Pat Harding, Jacob Mingle and Allan Tait raised few eyebrows but the news that Lovett was deemed surplus to requirements, together with goalkeeper Lee Hook’s switch to Dover Athletics, has shocked Borough fans.

The 31-year-old started 26 out of 46 league games and and his versatility proved invaluable when injuries and suspension stretched Borough’s small squad last season.

Lovett was given the bad news the day after Borough’s Sussex Senior Cup final victory but has dismissed suggestions he had a bust up with the management or demanded too much money.

He said: “I was surprised about it. I am not going to moan as I don’t want it to sound like sour grapes but I thought I had done enough to earn a new contract.

“I started over half the games and I think I gave more width and balance to the side whenever I came on as a substitute so I was really taken aback when I was told I was being released.

“Some people have said I had an argument with the manager but there is nothing in that at all and money had nothing to do with it as I would have stayed for exactly the same as I was on.

“It’s such a shame as I loved everything about the club and am gutted I won’t be there next season. I had a fantastic three years at Borough and it is a massive blow to be let go.”

Lovett has already received a number of offers from Sussex clubs but believes he is more than capable of staying in Blue Square premier if he is played in his favourite position.

The former Crawley and Lewes midfielder prefers to play on the right wing but was often played on the other flank or at full-back and believes his versatility ended up costing him.

Lovett added: “In my first season at Borough I played on the right and thought I did very well but then I started to be moved around due to suspensions and injury and became labelled as a utility player.

“I was always happy to fill in wherever I was needed but at this level you need a run of games in your favourite position to produce your best form.

“I’ve spoken to one or two people about next season already but it is early days and I want to weigh up my options. I would love to stay in the Blue Square premier but it might mean taking a step backwards first.

“I think I have proved myself at that level and as a footballer you always want to push yourself to play at the highest level possible.”

Meanwhile, Danny Brown has ended speculation about his future by signing a two-year contract to stay at Priory Lane.

The midfielder initially joined Borough on loan in November before signing until the end of the season in January.

Borough have also confirmed that Paul Armstrong, Andy Atkin, Ben Austin, Darren Baker, Matt Crabb, Nathan Crabb, Marc Pullan, Matt Smart, Simon Wormull and Neil Jenkins will all be part of their squad next season.