Irish striker Pádraig Amond has had his five year spell with Newport County ended in heartbreaking fashion after a 25 second phone call with the manager.
The Carlow native had helped Exeter City to promotion to League One after his loan spell at the club, but has since been released by his parent club, leaving the Amond as a free agent.
Speaking to the LOI Central Podcast, the 34 year old opened up on the ruthless way he found out the news.
Amond on the conversation with Newport boss James Rowberry
"I played over 200 games for them, scored 60 odd goals and I got released in a 25 second phone call. And 10-12 seconds of that was the manager introducing himself to me because of a change of number."
"I was down in Exeter for the promotion parade, with my Mam, Dad, my wife and son and I was walking to go and meet the bus... The phone call happened so quickly they didn't even know I was on the phone"
"It doesn't surprise me. I know what football is like. It does hurt."
What a season! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/E4Nu8SkLsy
— Pádraig Amond (@padraigamond21) May 9, 2022
Amond had been vital to Newport County in previous seasons, scoring goals in big FA Cup matches against Manchester City, Leicester and Middlesbrough over his five year spell at the club.
🎉 Happy Birthday to our leading scorer this season, Padraig Amond! 💛
What is your favourite goal that Podge has scored in Amber, #Exiles?
How about his perfect chip over Ederson 🆚 @ManCity earlier on this season? 🎂#NCAFC #OurJourneyContinues pic.twitter.com/b7qRFAZqwv— Newport County AFC (@NewportCounty) April 15, 2019
Return to League of Ireland?
Pádraig Amond played for three seasons with Shamrock Rovers and had a spell with Sligo Rovers before moving to Portuguese side Pacos de Ferreira in 2012.
The player had been heavily linked with a move back to The Showgrounds at the start of the year, but a move to Sligo never materialised.
"I wasn't looking to leave actively. It's something that popped up and I agreed everything. I had put my house up for sale, " said Amond
"I'd never say anything about where I want to finish my career because you just don't know in football. You can have the greatest plan ever and it can all fall apart. We're just seeing what happens now." he added.
Amond has been a goal machine in his time in the lower leagues in England and should the striker fancy a move back to the League of Ireland, many clubs would defintely open him with welcome arms.
SEE ALSO: Every Irish Footballer To Play In The FA Youth Cup Final Since 1995
