BORO S former captain Jason Goodliffe has spoken of his sadness at leaving Broadhall Way. Goodliffe ended five and a half years at Boro when his contract was terminated by mutual consent on transfer deadline day last Wednesday. The 32-year-old, who had ma

BORO'S former captain Jason Goodliffe has spoken of his sadness at leaving Broadhall Way.

Goodliffe ended five and a half years at Boro when his contract was terminated by mutual consent on transfer deadline day last Wednesday.

The 32-year-old, who had made more than 150 appearances for Boro, has spent most of this season on loan at York City.

Goodliffe said: "I was sad to leave Stevenage because I've a lot of fond memories.

"The supporters and the staff have always been great to me; it's been a big part of my footballing career.

"I've no axe to grind with either Mark (Stimson) or Scott (Barrett). It's football.

"Unfortunately football is all about opinions and I've no hard feelings.

"Mark wants his own players at the club; I can understand that.

"As most managers do, they like to have their own players, create their own team and succeed or fail on their own terms.

"He prefers to work with younger players and decided I was surplus to requirements.

"The writing's been on the wall for me since the start of the season in hindsight and it was time to go."

He continued: "After a difficult start, they're an improving side with a great chance of reaching the play-offs.

"Things are geared up at Boro to be a League club. To me, it's a case of when, rather than if.

"Unfortunately, there are 20 odd teams in the league trying to do the same!"

Goodliffe signed for Rushden and Diamonds this week until the end of the season with a year's option.

Rushden are managed by former Boro boss Graham Westley and other former Stevenage players now at Nene Park are Dino Maamria, Jamie Cook and David Perpetuini.

"I'm looking forward to a new and fresh challenge.

"I'm going there to play and hopefully try and force my way into the team on a regular basis.

"I've stayed fit all season and I'm still enjoying my football.

"Having left a club like Stevenage, somewhere like Rushden and all its fabulous facilities was too great an opportunity to turn down.

"I could have gone to York until the end of the season at least but I didn't want to move my family.

"I had three good months playing at York and want to carry on playing.

"There are some familiar faces at Rushden and that can only help."

Goodliffe was signed from Hayes by Paul Fairclough in the summer of 2001 and his time at Broadhall Way has been one of highs and lows.

"I came to the club to get Stevenage into the Football League.

"I'm disappointed in my time there that we didn't achieve that.

"Captaining the side to the Trophy final at Villa Park and in the promotion play-off final were the real highlights."

Boro chairman Phil Wallace said: "Jason has been a great servant to the club and he just wants to play football every week.

"That was not going to happen at Stevenage unless two or three players were not available.

"It was highly unlikely that we would offer him a new contract at the end of the season, leaving him without a club.

"On behalf of the fans and everyone at Stevenage, I'd like to thank Jason for his conduct and dedication over the five years he's been with us.

"He's always been a loyal professional to the club and has been a credit to himself and football.

"There's been some great moments and we will all have fond memories of his time with us."

Rushden are due to visit Broadhall Way next month for a Nationwide Conference fixture.

Goodliffe added: "Hopefully I might be in the Rushden team on March 10!

"I would like to think I'll get a good reception when I'm back. I hope Mark continues to improve the Boro team and there will be no hard feelings.