IAN Breckin bowed out at Nottingham Forest by leading them to victory before thanking the fans for their support.

The 33-year-old defender's contract is not being renewed but manager Billy Davies handed him the captain's armband for yesterday's 3-1 victory over Southampton.

And, after four seasons at the City Ground, Breckin paid tribute to the fans.

He said: "It was good day for me, a bit emotional but the main thing is it is nice for the fans to go away after a win.

"The fans have been fantastic with me and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them from the bottom of my heart.

"They have been fantastic for four years and deserve success at this football club. I hope they get it in the near future.

"I am not disappointed, a bit sad really. I half expected it and you cannot go on forever. I have had four good years and I'm very grateful because it is a fantastic football club. I will still carry on playing if somebody will take me!".

Breckin arrived from Wigan in the summer of 2005 under Gary Megson and spent three seasons helping the Reds get out of League One.

He added: "It is a shame we did not come up quicker because it took three seasons to get here.

"But this club is in good hands and will be very strong next season.

"We have gone six games unbeaten and Forest should look forward to a good season next time round.

"That unbeaten run will stand the club in good stead and they can build on that."