IT has been a roller-coaster five years at Wrexham for departing captain Dean Keates.

From lifting the FA Trophy on the Reds’ first ever trip to Wembley in 2013, to double play-off heartbreak, the veteran midfielder has experienced the full spectrum of emotions at The Racecourse.

Keates met new boss Gary Mills on Tuesday and was told he would not be offered a new contract as Mills began a shake up at the club.

“I expected it. I’m 36 now and a new manager comes in and wants to bring in new players and ideas, that’s football,” explained the midfielder, who made over 150 appearances for the Reds.

“He explained his reasons and I wish Gary and Darren (Caskey) all the best.

“It’s not a nice situation when you know you won’t be getting paid for a couple of months, but I’ve had a few calls already and intend to carry on playing.

“Will that be full-time? I don’t know yet but I’m going to carry on with my university course at Glyndwr, so maybe part-time will work best.

“I’ve had one Conference team contact me, a couple in part-time, and a Welsh Premier side, so we’ll see what happens.

“The response from the fans has been overwhelming. They’ve said some really nice things.

“I’d have loved to have stayed and been a part trying to gain promotion next season but it’s not to be.”

Keates joined Wrexham in July 2010, signed by Dean Saunders, and helped the Reds into the play-offs on three occasions.

He revealed his favourite moment of his five-year spell was lifting the FA Trophy at Wembley following the penalty shootout success over Grimsby, but admitted it was ‘embarrassing’ to lose out in this season’s final to North Ferriby.

“Without a shadow of doubt the highlight was leading the club up the steps at Wembley for the first time,” he said.

“That’s when being captain really makes a difference and it was a special day.

“We came close twice to promotion but the first-leg defeat against Luton was hard to take in 2011. To go 3-0 down in the first-half, having fought hard all season, it was tough.

“I knew Wrexham was a big club but the second-leg really brought it home. We had over 500 fans at Kenilworth Road and at the end they all stayed to show their appreciation despite losing 2-1, that’s when I realised what this club means to the supporters.

“The play-off final was another disappointment as we were in control for 80 minutes, but Newport had a game plan and it worked.

“But the lowest point was the FA Trophy final last season. We were absolutely clear favourites and North Ferriby were a village team, it was embarrassing to lose, heartbreaking to watch.”

Keates said he relished playing under former bosses Saunders and Andy Morrell, but reserved extra praise for first-team coach Carl Darlington who was released by Mills earlier this week.

Keates explained he was close to retiring midway through last season before Darlington’s arrival convinced him to carry on.

“I enjoyed playing for Dean, his enthusiasm was frightening,” he said.

“Mozza was the same, he did a brilliant job taking over from Dean and was very unlucky not to get the club promoted, which would have sealed his legendary status.

“Darlo is an outstanding coach and massive credit to him for the job he did at the end of the season.

“He’s one of the best coaches I’ve ever worked with and I was surprised to see him go.

“There was a point last season when I wanted to pack it all in. I wasn’t enjoying coming into training and I’d stopped enjoying the thing I loved doing for 19 years.

“I sat down with Kevin (Wilkin) and I decided to give it a bit more time, then Darlo arrived and I started enjoying it again.

“I enjoyed learning from Carl and picking his brains about tactics and coaching.”

Keates highlighted Neil Ashton, Mark Creighton and Jay Harris as the best players he played with at Wrexham.

“Ashy has been the most consistent player, he goes under the radar when we’re playing well,” he added. “I’ve loved playing with Jay and hopefully Gary Mills’ style of play will suit Jay and he can have a big part to play.

“Creights was a big presence for us, while Chris Westwood was absolutely outstanding.

“Pogba and Mayebi came in and couldn’t speak a word of English. By the end Jossy was swearing in English! He was a great character and it’s been a great club to play for.”