MARK Ford revealed his release from Turf Moor had come as a "relief" as he looks forward to relaunching his career elsewhere.

Ford's departure at the end of his contract was a predictable one after it was made clear several months ago that he wasn't part of manager Stan Ternent's long-term plans.

The former Leeds United midfielder started just three games since the turn of the year and latterly couldn't command a place in the reserves as Ternent planned for the future.

So with no prospects at Burnley, Ford was pleased to get the chance to move on. "It's a relief it's come and I can get out and start afresh," he said.

Ford, a £250,000 buy from Elland Road two years ago, was selected for Ternent's first game in charge.

But a broken ankle then kept him out until November.

He enjoyed a 10-game run in the side but the writing was on the wall when Ternent splashed out to sign Micky Mellon from Tranmere Rovers.

Ford was to start just two more games and with Lenny Johnrose arriving from Bury and Paul Cook signing on loan, Ternent built a midfield that had no place for the former England under-21 captain.

"I enjoyed myself at times but it's just one of those things. When somebody comes in and they don't like you that's the end of it. "We were two different personalities. It happens. It's soured my opinion of some people but that's football," said Ford, who was unhappy at what he saw as being frozen out of the first-team picture.

However, the 23-year-old, whose signing by Chris Waddle was hailed as a major coup, has no regrets at joining the Clarets, despite being involved in a relegation battle in his first season and then ending his second on the fringes of the action.

"I had some good times at Burnley and I would like to thank the Burnley fans who were good with me. I met a lot of nice people and got a lot of friends," he said.

And Ford, who made just short of 50 League appearances for the Clarets, looks certain to get fixed up with a new club to resume a career that looked destined for great things two years ago.

"I would like to think I could do a job somewhere. There are a couple of clubs that have been interested and I'll have to wait and see. I'm going to re-charge my batteries and then start again in June doing a bit of work," he added.

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