Nicholls wouldn't change any of his time at MK Dons

Lee Nicholls was philosophical after news he would be leaving MK Dons at the end of the season.

The 28-year-old, along with Jordan Houghton, Kieran Agard and Joe Mason, will not be offered a new contract when his current deal ends.

Nicholls joined the club from Wigan in 2016 and after initially playing second fiddle to David Martin, established himself as first choice keeper in early 2017. He has made more than 150 appearances for the club, but the emergence of Andrew Fisher since signing from Blackburn Rovers on transfer deadline day last summer, has made just six cup outings since.

The keeper will now look for a new club to ply his trade next season, but it is a decision he said is just a part of life as a footballer.

"It is what it is - it's football," he said. "Fish has come in and done well. But I want to go and try to play football elsewhere. I'm gutted to be leaving, I've had a good time here and really enjoyed it, but at the end of the day, that's football.

"It was a tough decision. Me and Russ had a few discussions over the season but I've got no regrets. I've loved my time here. I came here as a young lad, came as a number two, worked hard to get into the team and I gave it my all. Right until the last day on Sunday, I'll be giving it my all."

Nicholls leaves with the good graces of manager Russell Martin, who praised the keeper for supporting Fisher throughout the season, and plenty of good memories along with it.

He added: "Just thank you. They brought me in when I was probably at my lowest. I wanted a new challenge and everyone from the chairman to the fans brought me in, accepted me and gave me the chance. All I can hope for is that I've repaid you.

"The promotion season and the Mansfield game is right up there. As a squad, the way the season panned out - it was a good one until Christmas then we struggled a bit. To get over the line the way we did was the best moment here. There have been highs and lows but I wouldn't change any of it."