NATHAN Davies, dubbed Mr Newport County after giving the Exiles more than a decade of service, admits he is “gutted,” but not surprised to have been shown the exit door at Spytty Park.

The former academy player has been with the Exiles since childhood and played almost 400 games after making his debut as a 16-year old back in 2000.

However, a testimonial this summer may be the last time Davies pulls on the amber jersey he so adores, despite boss Dean Holdsworth insisting the door isn’t shut on a return to the club down the line.

Speaking for the first time since hearing that he was to be axed, Davies confessed that leaving the club has been a worry for him for a long time.

“I am gutted of course I am, I am a Newport County fan and have the club badge tattooed on my arm, I love the club to bits,” he said.

“But at the same time, this hasn’t come as a surprise and I even understand why it has happened, because since Dean arrived (at the start of the 2008/9 season) I have had terrible injury problems, I’ve not put a good run of games together.

“I haven’t been able to show what I can do, so I have been worrying that the writing was on the wall. When I went out on loan twice and when I came back and still wasn’t involved, I figured there was a big chance that I wouldn’t be here next season.

“I thought I might be asked back for pre-season to assess my fitness, but that hasn’t happened and I have to move on.”

Davies is thrilled he will have a chance to say a proper goodbye to supporters after being granted a testimonial, but isn’t sure where he’ll be playing his football next term.

“I’ve always taken it year-by-year with County, because I never wanted to play anywhere else,” he said.

“What is nice though is that I already have some interest from other clubs and though I can’t say too much more yet, I am hoping that I will be able to stay in the English football pyramid. That would be my aim now.”

Davies’ desire to stay in English football was not shared by Martyn Giles, the former Cardiff City and Hereford United man signing with Andy Legg, Steve Jenkins and Jason Bowen at Llanelli on Thursday.

Davies also insisted that he leaves County with fond memories, both of the supporters and some glory nights that he shared with them.

“The fans have always been amazing with me, they are of course what I will miss the most, we’ve always had a great relationship,” he said.

“It’ll be nice to say a proper goodbye to them and I have made some brilliant friends over the years.

“I have some magic memories, the two games with Blackpool (in the FA Cup), beating Cardiff at Ninian Park in the FAW Premier Cup, winning the Premier Cup, some great, great times.”

And boss Holdsworth insists there is still a chance for Davies to one-day return.

“Nathan is a great person and a very good player, he’s been a terrific servant to the club,” he said.

“I have told him the door isn’t closed in terms of him coming back one day and while I am at the club, the door will never be closed on him.”