STEVE JAGIELKA admitted he would have liked to have had a go in the Football League with Accrington - but it was always going to be impossible.

The midfielder, who scored nine goals in 68 league appearances for the Reds who he joined in July 2004, wasn't offered a new Stanley contract last week but said he wouldn't have been able to accept one if they had.

"The travelling was taking its toll," admitted 'Jaggers', who lives in Shrewsbury.

"Last season I moved to Manchester but my family never settled and so I moved back to Shrewsbury.

"It was a two-and-a-half hour journey to the training ground at Barnoldswick and it was taking its toll on everything - on my knee injury which has hampered me this season and my family life.

"I just couldn't have done it for another season so I am looking for a club nearer to home.

"I would have loved to have been able to play in the league with Accrington in their first season back and have a crack at it but maybe I will play in the league with someone else.

"I have a few irons in the fire but it is still early days yet. My agent has been in contact with a few clubs and I am just waiting to see what happens."

Conference newcomers Northwich are believed to be looking at the former Sheffield United midfielder as are Kidderminster.

But the 28-year-old says, wherever he goes, it will be difficult to top this season.

"There are so many highlights of the season - every part of it was enjoyable.

"It was a great achievement and it was great to be involved in getting Accring-ton back to the Football League and being part of the history. Winning any league is a great achievement."

Probably one of the lasting images of the season was Jagielka scoring the winning volley against Grays - another of his television specials following on from his spectacular goal the season before against Halifax on TV.

"I enjoyed my goal against Grays - that was a sweet one!

"I got quite a few goals as I started off well but then I got the knee injury against Altrincham and struggled through the Halifax games over Christmas and perhaps really I should have had an operation.

"I came back and would have liked to play more games towards the end of the season but it was out of my hands.

"I did enjoy all the championship celebrations even though I knew I probably wouldn't be going up with them - I like to think I played my part in getting Accrington there.

"I still can't believe it went so well for us this season. Last season, we lost against all the lower sides and that's what spoilt it for us but this time we beat the lower sides and just got some consistency.

"We coasted it at the end and we deserved it. We beat a lot of good sides along the way.

"It is a great set up at Accrington and the staff are sound - and I think they will do well in the league.

"They obviously need to add a few more players that have perhaps already played in the league but if they have the same approach as the last couple of seasons, they will be okay."

And his medal is in a special place - while he concentrates now on looking forward.

"It is hanging above my bed at the moment - away from the little one!

"But I will have to spend the summer getting fitter. I usually stay fit but, without a contract, I will have to try that bit harder and be as fit as I can."