Wounded Stone explains all

After being told by Portsmouth that he won’t be given a new contract by the club, Steve Stone has expressed his disappointment, but insisted he is not yet looking for a new home.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, Stone explained: "Well it's just that a new manager has come in and assessed the squad, had a look at everybody and probably decided to go down a younger route for next season,

"He'll probably get in a few more foreign players who are a lot cheaper. There is obviously a problem with the guys on bigger wages and I think this is what's happened here.

"To get a new contract I had to play 60 percent of all competitive games.

"I managed to get to 67 percent a couple of weeks ago but since then I have been left out of the team.

"It's pretty disappointing because it's been a successful time at Portsmouth and I've really enjoyed it- but these things happen in football and you just have to get on with it I'm afraid.

"I didn't think I had any problems and I thought we could get through the last few games and sort a contract out.

"When the new manager came in there was only four weeks to find out what's going on and he had to make some quick decisions.

"The emergence of Gary O'Neill who can play on the right side, obviously means he doesn't need me to so I've got to get on with things and look for something else.

"I haven't talked to anyone yet as I have only found out yesterday (Tuesday). It's a little bit early with the play-offs still to be played and the teams that have gone up and down not sorting out their budgets yet.

"I'm not too worried at this moment in time as I've played well over the last couple of years and there will be somebody out there.

"When I left Aston Villa I thought maybe my time in The Premiership was up but I went down to Portsmouth and had a fantastic time.

"I'll treasure the memories I've had down there and just move on now."