JAY HARRIS still feels he could have done a job at The Racecourse but the midfielder is not bitter and hopes Wrexham realise their ambitions.

The 34-year-old made more than 200 league appearances across two spells for the Reds but has not been offered a new contract.

Although disappointed not to be retained, Harris wished a club that he holds close to his heart all the best for the future.

"That is football for you," said Harris.

"Whatever direction the football club wants to go in, it is their decision at the end of the day.

"I just move on to the next.

"Obviously other people see it differently but I still believe I could do a job for the football club.

"I always gave everything for the players, the fans and the staff; but the club wants to go in a different direction now and good luck to them.

"I have got plenty of life in me. I am just going to enjoy my time off."

Harris first joined Wrexham in the summer of 2010 and helped the Reds reach the play-offs three times before signing for Tranmere in 2015.

That highlight of that first spell was helping the Reds win the 2013 FA Trophy final and although there have also been lows, Harris says he always gave his all in a Reds' shirt.

"That's what I am. No matter where I am, I will give everything possible," said Harris.

"I hold myself in high regard but the people around the club deserve it that I give 100 per cent - especially the fans.

"I had some great times at Wrexham and I had some not so great times.

"That is football for you and that is why we love it.

"If Wrexham ever crosses my path then I will be more than happy to go back there as a fan or in some sort of capacity."

Injury kept Harris out of Wrexham's final game of the season at Dagenham and Redbridge on Saturday where victory would have guaranteed Dean Keates' side a play-off spot.

But a 1-1 draw, coupled with results elsewhere, meant Wrexham missed out on a top seven finish and Harris admits the Reds never turned up at Victoria Road.

"Obviously we had a poor start to the season and then we picked up," said Harris.

"Our results since after Christmas have probably been in the top three in the league but there is always going to be a loser and unfortunately for us, we just didn't turn up on the last day.

"There have been another few games that we didn't turn up that have cost us over the course of the season."

Keates - Harris' midfield partner during his first spell at the club - has not been offered a new contract and has also left The Racecourse.

The promotion dream was not realised but for Harris it's a case of be careful what you wish for.

"Dean saved the club from a relegation and progressed it this season," said Harris.

"I don't know what more you would want from a manager.

"To say you have got to go and win the league or get in the play-offs after avoiding relegation is ridiculous; I think you have got to steady the ship and go again - keep the squad and add better players - that is where a lot of success comes from.

"I am not making the decision but it doesn't make sense to me."