THE famous song lyrics once said "breaking up is hard to do" and, as far as Swindon Town's class of 2006/07 are concerned, Lee Peacock insists Mr Sedaka got it spot on.

While the Town midfielder looks forward to next season's League One challenge, a few of his old friends will fall by the wayside, and Peacock insists this summer's farewells have been harder than most.

With former Ashton Gate teammate Aaron Brown already released and Curtis Weston told to look elsewhere, the promotion-winning squad has already started breaking up and, as the summer progresses, Peacock knows more will follow.

He said: "I talked to Browny soon after he got told he was released and it looks like one or two others won't be here either after talking to them.

"Every single one of the lads played a big part in getting us into League One and it is difficult for us all to see that squad break up.

"These guys are not just teammates, like they have been at places in the past, all of the squad I count as my friends and that is an unusual thing to be able to say in my experience of football clubs."

While manager Paul Sturrock will undoubtedly be wielding the axe in the next few weeks, Peacock also insists others may have to look elsewhere as they seek more job security.

He said: "Some of the guys can exercise clauses to give them an extra year here but they have to look after themselves and their families at the end of the day.

"These guys have been playing first-team football all season and put promotion on their CVs so they have put themselves in good positions with other clubs.

"They have to think about whether they are in the manager's first team plans next season. They know there is no point in them playing reserve football in their last year on a contract."

Meanwhile Peacock admits he will be cheering local rivals Bristol Rovers on in the League Two play-off campaign but has assured Town fans he has not become a closet Pirates fan.

"My family are going on holiday with Steve Phillips, the Bristol Rovers goalkeeper, and I would imagine he will be in a better mood if they get promoted.

"Also as far as I am concerned the more local derbies the better. League One has lost City but with Rovers and Cheltenham there would some good games to look forward to.

"If Rovers do go up then it is good news with regards playing derbies and having a good holiday. But if they don't at least the fans can laugh at them."

Peacock struggled through the last few weeks of the campaign with a hamstring problem and admits the summer months could not have arrived too soon.

He said: "I feel, for the first time ever really, that this rest will be well and truly earned.

"I have been struggling with the injury and it will be great to relax and rest for a while after a difficult end to the season.

"I have got a few breaks planned and hopefully then I will be ready for League One."