TWO months after being released by Burnley, Kevin Ball is still looking for a club to play for next season.

But the experienced midfielder is determined that the current crisis in relation to ITV Digital will not end his playing career.

Speaking for the first time about his release Ball admitted: "I think of all the summers I have been playing this is the worst one for footballers who have not got a club. It is hard for the players and it is hard for the clubs too.

"They want to strengthen their squads and keep players on but because of the financial crisis they are not able to do so.

"The current climate after the ITV Digital farce is very difficult for a lot of people, not just me. It could finish my career but I am confident it won't."

Ball will be 38 in November but he believes that he has another couple of years of League football left in him and he points to his recent record as evidence that he can still do a good job.

"The only games I was not available for selection last season were when I was suspended," he said. "I kept clear of injuries and never missed a day of training. My record in terms of appearances speaks for itself.

"It is frustrating because I know I have still got the ability and the experience and I have always said I want to keep playing as long as possible. I have faith in my own ability and I hope that once budgets have been sorted out I will be able to find a job.

"I am interested in coaching and would consider a dual role but I would not like the added pressure of a player-manager job. I want to continue concentrating on events on the pitch.

"I have been keeping fit throughout the summer, watching what I eat and just ticking over so that I am ready to play when something happens. I have spoken to a couple of people about jobs in and out of football but at the moment I just have to wait and see."

Despite acting as stand-in skipper for injured Steve Davis, Stan Ternent made Ball one of six players he released and, despite his disappointment at leaving Turf Moor, Ball certainly bears no grudges.

"It is a very difficult time and I can't blame the manager," he said. "It was disappointing but I can understand the club's point of view.

"Stan will have had his reasons. He still doesn't know what money he will have for next season and his hands have been tied."

As he reflected on his two years at Turf Moor Ball admitted: "I wanted to come to a club like Sunderland where the football club really matters to people.

"Burnley is like that and I had a great time. I would like to thank the supporters for how they treated me and I wish them and the club all the best for the future.

"We were unlucky to just miss out twice on the play-offs when I was there, that would have been a magnificent achievement, but what we did achieve was really good when you think about what the manager had to spend.

"You can put what we achieved into perspective by looking at what other managers in the first division have spent. I really hope they will have success."

Ball's dedication to the cause was never doubted by Clarets fans and they are sure to return those goodwill wishes as he looks for the opening to continue his impressive playing career.