THE only way is up for Wiltshire’s Jon Guthrie as he eyes a return to League One following his departure from Crewe Alexandra.

Guthrie, who is from Milton Lilbourne, signed for the Gresty Road side in July 2012 and went on to make 116 appearances for the club before rejecting a new contract this summer.

While the 24-year-old says the decision didn’t come easy, he believes it was the right call at this stage in his career.

“It was a hard decision because I was happy and settled at Crewe but the main reason for leaving was to get back into League One,” he said.

“I’ve had a couple of offers from League One clubs so it is just a case of deciding which one I want to accept.

“It should be happening soon, I should be signing for a club in the next week or so.”

During his time at Crewe, the majority of Guthrie’s appearances came in League One before then-manager Steve Davis’ side were relegated to the fourth tier in 2016.

The former Pewsey Vale man also acknowledges there are lots of factors he needs to consider before making a final decision on his future.

“The main thing for me is playing games,” he added.

“I have my girlfriend to think about as well. She’s moved up with me now so I don’t want to keep moving her around with me.

“The main thing is going to a club where I feel like I can develop myself, keep improving and go somewhere where I will feel wanted.”

Since joining the professional ranks in 2012 when he was plucked from Vale in Wessex League Division One by Crewe, the defender thinks his game has developed significantly.

“I think Crewe have helped me more than most clubs would because of the amount of coaching they put into you,” said Guthrie.

“They help you a lot individually as well as a team. Coming from where I came from, being coached in that way has helped me a massive amount.

“If you compare me from what I was like when I turned up to what I am like now as a player, I’m much more developed.

“I’ve played more of my games in League One so I know what it is about. As a player, you’re always going to improve.

“You’ve got to start fresh again, make new friends, show what you’re made of to the coaches and look to impress.

"I’m looking forward to the challenge of showing them what I can do.”