STRIKER Phil Eastwood is vowing to kick-start his career in new surroundings after his five-year Turf Moor grounding was brought to a close.

Eastwood is looking for pastures new following his release from Burnley where he has spent the last five years.

And the 21-year-old, who came through the ranks at Turf Moor, believes he's got what it takes to carve out a Football League future.

"I feel I'm good enough to stay in the League, that's the main aim. Once you go out it's difficult to get back in," he said.

Clarets boss Stan Ternent made Eastwood one of 12 players given free transfers.

He believes the release of players like Eastwood, Carl Smith, Colin Carr-Lawton, Kevin Henderson and Paul Graham will be in their best interests with first-team opportunities certain to be limited at Turf Moor next season.

Eastwood's release could therefore be a blessing in disguise if he's to make the grade.

And that's the way he's viewing it as he looks ahead to making an impact and establishing himself elsewhere.

"Obviously I'm disappointed. I think I had a good season but the manager will be bringing his own players in and I'm not going to be starting so it's probably for the best. There's probably no point staying. "I've got to look at it as a fresh start and a new challenge and it might do me the world of good," he said.

Eastwood, who made the switch from Blackburn Rovers' school of excellence to join Burnley as a trainee, has played a dozen first-team games this season after making his debut in Chris Waddle's first game in charge almost two years ago.

He claimed his first League goal in the Clarets derby defeat at Preston last November and his goal-scoring record at reserve team level should earn him a chance elsewhere, with Wrexham a possible interested party.

"I've played a few games this year and hopefully somebody might have seen me somewhere," said Eastwood, who also had a loan spell at Conference club Kettering earlier this season.

The Blackburn-born player certainly bears no grudges as he looks forward with optimism.

"The club's done well for me. You always look at the club that's given you your debut as always having done something for you.

"Making my debut and scoring that first goal were the highlights," he added.

Existing season ticket holders have until Friday, May 28 to renew and retain the seats they held for the season just finished. After this date they will be offered for open sale.

The ticket office will then be closed for administration purposes and will re-open on Wednesday, June 2 for anyone wishing to exchange their seats to other areas.

The last day for purchasing a seat at discount price is Saturday, June 12, which is also the last day supporters can apply to pay by the direct debit instalment plan.

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