Ainge relishes his move to FC Halifax Town

Following his release from Kenilworth Road, the 25-year-old centre-half was keen to find a new club as soon as possible and immediately joined the Shaymen.

He said: “With being from up north and the club I’m signing for is up north, and I wanted to get fixed up as soon as possible.

“I wasn’t that bothered about holding out for more money. My contract’s not that important, I just wanted to enjoy my football again.”

Ainge is looking to put the experience he picked up with Luton last season into action in his second spell at Halifax.

“It’s good because I’ve got a bit of experience from last season,” he continued.

“It was my first season at that level for a few years. I played in the Conference for Halifax before they went bust so it’s nice to go back there and hopefully I can have a good season.

“I will get myself as fit as possible and kick on from there.”

Despite never holding down a regular first team slot at Luton, he’s pleased he took the opportunity to join the Hatters, saying: “I don’t think you can have regrets, it’s football. I chose to play this game and it’s just how it is.

“It’s a game of opinions and obviously not everyone’s opinions are the same.

“I would just like to thank everyone at Luton for what they’ve done for me in my time there.”

Used predominantly at right-back under new boss John Still, Ainge refused to dwell on what could have been if he’d played in his preferred centre-half position.

He said: “You could talk about it all day what things you could have done differently, but what’s done is done and I genuinely hope Luton do well this year and I think they will do.

“I think we just have to both move on and concentrate on having a good season next year.

“I will just try and take the positives. I’ve met some great lads, played in a great stadium full of fans every week.

“There’s millions of kids who would like to do that.

“I’ve enjoyed my time and it’s just not worked out. I’m not the first and I won’t be the last it happens to.”

On how his move to Halifax came about, Ainge added: “As soon as I knew that I was available I spoke to a few people.

“The manager wanted me straight away to be honest and it says a lot when someone wants you.

“It make you feel wanted and and you want to go and play for them.

“When I had to come back down to Luton I didn’t know what was going on and I can repay him (his new boss) by having a good season this year.”

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