MARTIN McINTOSH left the Galpharm with words of praise for Town's loyal fans and the club's new boss Andy Ritchie.

The experienced Scottish defender was among seven out-of-contract players released this week.

But he bears no grudges, and insists he will be rooting for Town to win promotion under Ritchie next season.

"I suppose it's a bit unusual to praise a bloke who has just let you go, but I've been really impressed with the new gaffer," said the 35-year-old, who had a well-publicised bust-up with previous boss Peter Jackson.

"He's come in and created a freshness about the place without being too heavy-handed.

"He's made an impression with all the lads, he has made training enjoyable, and it's great to play football the way he seems to like to play.

"I'm sorry I'm not going to a part of things next season, but I think Andy Ritchie can bring success to this club.

"I certainly hope he does, because the fans deserve it.

"They've been brilliant to me in the two seasons I've played here, and they've stuck with the lads through a pretty tough season."

It was certainly a roller-coaster for McIntosh, who was signed by Jackson from Rotherham in June 2005.

He played in the first-day defeat at Gillingham, was loaned out to Grimsby soon after then made stand-in skipper on his return.

Then, in January, Jackson told McIntosh he wouldn't be offered terms for next season, before announcing that the player wouldn't turn out for Town again under his managership.

Jackson's exit in March led to McIntosh's return under caretaker Gerry Murphy, who brought him on as a substitute at Brighton on March 24.

McIntosh was back in the starting side for the next game, at home to Port Vale, and recalled: "The fans gave me a great reception. That really helped to settle me down and it meant a lot."

Ex-Tottenham, St Mirren, Clydebank, Hamilton, Stockport and Hibernian player McIntosh leaves Town with 52 appearances and four goals for the club under his belt and confident he will remain in league football.

"I certainly feel I've got at least two, if not three years left in me," predicated the Sheffield-based player.

"I've had a couple of calls from clubs inquiring about my situation and at this stage, I'm waiting to see what transpires."

East Kilbride-born McIntosh, who has a Scotland B cap, is also hoping to start work towards a UEFA B coaching badge.

"I'm keen to get going, and I'd be keen to stay in football if the chance arose," he said.

"I'm not taking anything for granted, because there's a world of difference between playing and coaching.

"It takes a particular type of person to put ideas across, and I guess I'll find out if I'm one of them when the course gets under way!"