Charlie MacDonald insists he holds no grudges with Barnet – despite feeling forced out when the offer a player-coach role was withdrawn.

The veteran of more than 250 Football League appearances joined the Bees from Oldham last summer and scored eight goals as Barnet lifted the Conference title .

But rather than limbering up for another crack at the Football League, the 34 year old was released in May and this week moved a few miles up the A1 to Boreham Wood.

MacDonald said: “I was verbally offered a player-coaching role but a week later I was released. I don't know the ins and out of it, but there was some conflict over my knee surgery and who would do it.

“The club wanted me to use a certain surgeon, but I had some history with him and wanted to use another one. I don't know if that's what was behind it, but all of a sudden there was no new contract being offered, which left a bit of a sour taste.

“I was expecting to be there this season, but I'm not a bitter person just because things didn't work out, and I still want Barnet to do well this season. I've still got a lot of friends at the club and the fans there were fantastic with me.”

Good addition: Shaun Batt (right) is an impressive capture for Barnet

Despite losing his experienced head up front, MacDonald expects Barnet to thrive back in League Two , especially with new signings like Shaun Batt , Gavin Hoyte and Kevin Lisbie already on board.

He added: “The whole reason I came to Barnet was because I knew they had a great chance of being promoted, and I wanted to be a part of that.

“It remains to be seen how they will do, and while a second promotion might be a step too far, I certainly don't expect them to struggle.”