MARK CARRINGTON is disappointed he was unable to reach another milestone but he leaves The Racecourse proud that he scored one of Wrexham’s most iconic goals of the non-league era.

The 34-year-old arrived at Wrexham in September 2013 on non-contract terms and was the club’s longest serving player but the Reds’ vice-captain was not offered a new deal last week.

During his eight seasons with the Reds, Carrington made 274 appearances and he was looking forward to reaching the 300 mark.

“I didn’t realise how close I was to 300 games so I am a bit gutted,” said Carrington. “I thought I could have made it to 300 but it wasn’t meant to be. I was not too far off but 274 is not to be sniffed at.”

On spending eight seasons at the same non-league club, Carrington added: “It is unheard of these days.

“When I first came through the door on a non-contract, I did not expect to stay around at the club for as long as I have done.

“Each year it just grew and my passion for the club got bigger and stronger, and more I wanted to do well for the club and get us out of this league but it wasn’t meant to be.”

Carrington missed the start of the campaign through injury but after returning to action in January, he enjoyed a good run in the side playing as a centre-back.

But opportunities were limited in the run-in and he was disappointed not to get more game-time as Wrexham challenged for a play-off spot.

“I was injured at the start of the season but when I got my chance, I felt like I took it,” said Carrington. “I thought I was unfortunate not to stay in the side towards the end of the season and that ultimately has killed me but there’s not a lot you can do about it now.”

Carrington believes being a utility player was both a help and a hindrance when it came to selection.

“It can go two ways,” said Carrington. “It helps you in terms of people seeing you as a good addition to the squad because you can fill-in anywhere but it can hinder you in terms of you never quite nail down a position because people see you as more of a bit of a back-up because you are versatile.

“It has stood me in good stead and each year when I have been offered a new contract, it has always been a big factor how versatile I am but this year they have overlooked that.”

Wrexham, without Carrington in the matchday squad, needed to win their final game at Dagenham to secure a play-off spot but the 1-1 draw means the Reds are preparing for a 14th season in non-league.

Carrington is confident the Reds can clinch promotion back to the Football League with the backing of Hollywood stars Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds who completed their high profile takeover of the club in February.

“The journey has sadly come to an end,” said Carrington.

“It wasn’t what I was expecting or hoping for but that is football.

“Wrexham is a massive club and it is a club which I have got a lot of feelings for.

“Even though I have left, I am like a fan now and I hope Wrexham get the job done in the coming years and get up where they belong.

“I am sure they will with the backing that is coming in - it will only be a matter of time before Wrexham get out of that league.”

Carrington has been inundated with messages of support from fans.

“I have had some nice messages,” said Carrington.

“It is always nice that your efforts have been appreciated.

“We have not overly achieved since I have been there but it was not through the lack of effort. We just have not managed to do it.”

Carrington scored six goals during his Wrexham career - but there is one that stands out!

More than 4,000 travelling supporters saw Carrington put the Reds 1-0 up at Premier League side Stoke City who hit back to win 3-1 and avoid a huge FA Cup third round upset in January 2015.

“If you mention my name to any Wrexham fan, the first thing that comes into their head is the goal at Stoke!” added the former Bury and Crewe player.

“It would have been nice if we could have won - I think the goal would have been even more iconic - but the celebrations that day will go down in history.”