JOHNNY Mullins only has good things to say about Oxford United after an unforgettable season, despite being told he is surplus to requirements.

The centre back yesterday joined Luton Town on a two-year deal following his release after 149 appearances for the U's.

Mullins had been a key figure in the past three seasons and played in 40 of United’s 46 league games as they won automatic promotion.

In Jake Wright’s absence he also wore the captain’s armband at Wembley in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final last month.

But the rapid progress made in the final months of the campaign by Chey Dunkley – at 24, six years his junior – contributed to Mullins being shown the door.

While it was not the outcome the former Reading trainee wanted from his end of season meeting with head coach Michael Appleton, there are no hard feelings.

“I’ve been in the game long enough to know it happens and that’s probably the worst part of the gaffer’s job,” Mullins told the Oxford Mail.

“He gave me a reason which I couldn’t argue with and it was very amicable.

“When I got out of the room I was upset, but that’s football.

“I like to think of my time at Oxford as more than just that meeting. I had a good time there and hopefully people enjoyed me playing.

“I leave the club with as good a feeling as I could have really – to finish on a promotion is excellent.

“It’s a good club and I felt at home there, but now I move on.”

It is the second time Mullins has left a club following promotion from League Two, having arrived at the U’s in the summer of 2013 after captaining Rotherham United to the runners-up spot.

The manner of the U’s success made it even sweeter for the 30-year-old than the Millers’ late charge and he thinks they are well-placed to carry on the rise next season.

He said: “There’s no reason why the club can’t kick on even further, they’re the best players I’ve played with.

“It’s a season I will never forget.”