Paddy Davitt Darren Huckerby had one big regret after his sudden Norwich City exit yesterday - being robbed of the chance to say goodbye.The 32-year-old was the headline name among nine senior players released by Glenn Roeder following the dismal Championship finale at Sheffield Wednesday.

Paddy Davitt

Darren Huckerby had one big regret after his sudden Norwich City exit yesterday - being robbed of the chance to say goodbye.

The 32-year-old was the headline name among nine senior players released by Glenn Roeder following the dismal Championship finale at Sheffield Wednesday.

Roeder's loan quintet of RyanBertrand, Ched Evans,Mo Camara, Alex Pearce and Kieran Gibbs had already returned to their parent clubs while Dion Dublin's retirement brings the total of departed players to 15 as Roeder's summer revolution gathers pace.

Huckerby signed off with a trademark finish to open the scoring at Hillsborough - but admitted he craved the fairytale farewell.

"That's the only regret I have - not saying goodbye to the fans a week ago," he said. "I don't know but with Dion going it just felt like I was in the background a little because in my own mind I knew I could go. It would've been nice to get that option but you don't always get what you want in football.

"That's the disappointing thing. The fans probably though I was trying it on to get a better deal or something but I've never spoke to anyone. It wasn't about money. I've been very well paid while I've been here. On and off the pitch I've done a lot for the club but it's not the be all and end all. I've still got the rest of my life. It would've been nice to get that option but, as I said you don't always get what you want."

Huckerby dismissed suggestions of a fall-out with Roeder.

"It's not personal. The manager has been open and honest all the way through," he said. "The first I knew was when I was called into Glenn's office. There was no shouting or anything like that. He just sat me down and told me he wants to go in a different direction with his own players.

"I don't think there are any other agendas. I half expected it because when we've done contracts in the past it's been on-going. Maybe this time people thought I was winding them up but truthfully not a word was spoken to me about contracts.

"It's not the worst day of my career. Definitely not. I've got too many good memories for that. It's sad and no one wants to end this way but the most important thing is the club."

Huckerby is followed out of Carrow Road by Spanish defender Juan Velasco and academy products Rossi and Ryan Jarvis, Andrew Cave-Brown, Bally Smart, Steve Arnold, Matthew Halliday and Patrick Bexfield.