Branston: Pilgrims exit amicable

Guy Branston has revealed the he is happy with how his exit from Plymouth was handled.

The 35-year-old defender, whose deal was due to expire in the summer, saw his contract at Home Park cancelled by mutual consent last month after a scan on an ankle injury showed he would not play again this season. Branston negotiated an exit so he could concentrate on his business interests and a blossoming career in the media. "It was something I needed to do and I want to look at doing other things as well," he said. "I popped my ankle in training in August and played the next day and it turned out that I'd ripped a tendon. "Being the person I am I kept playing and playing because I didn't want it to ruin my season. But it started to deteriorate and I did my calf at Christmas because of it. "When I came back from that my ankle was still sore so we got it scanned and it showed a ripped tendon. After the scan the gaffer spoke to me honestly and said there wouldn't be a contract there next season, which I knew anyway but it's good to have it clarified. "So I said let's go our separate ways so I can go and do the things I want to do and they could bring another player in with the money they are saving on my wage. "It's always best to leave amicably because now I can call John Sheridan again and he can call me and that's how you should leave it." Branston has already dipped his toe into new areas as he is the co-author of a new book called Footballer's Journey, which is aimed at young people trying to make their way in the game and features experiences from a number of high-profile players. But he wants to carry on playing and has already received offers for next season. "There are opportunities already for next season I have had offers from the Conference and offers to go to pre-season training in the Football League and it's something I want to do 100 per cent," he added. "But I also want to do more media work, I have got my coaching badges and I want to be a manager. "So I have got plenty of options and I have put myself in a good position. Going to a Football League club would be fantastic for me, if they wanted me to concentrate solely on football for a year and leave the other things then I would be willing to do it."