LLOYD Macklin has been shown the exit door at Swindon after failing to make his mark on the first team squad.

The winger became the youngest player to ever appear for the club when, at 16 years and 33 days, he made his debut in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy tie against Brentford in September 2007.

But Macklin, now 18, never kicked on from there, despite a prolific goalscoring record for the reserve and youth teams at the County Ground, and was yesterday freed to further his career elsewhere.

When Town announced their released list at the beginning of this month, Macklin - whose 18-month contract was set to expire - was not among those being offered a new deal, but neither was he shown the exit door. Instead the club said that his future was yet to be decided.

The Advertiser understands chairman Andrew Fitton was keen for the youngster to be kept on and handed fresh terms, but manager Danny Wilson and his coaching staff could not see Macklin breaking through next season and an agreement was finally reached.

“We think it is in Lloyd’s best interest that he is free to find a new club,” Fitton said yesterday.

“Opportunities for him became increasingly limited as last season progressed and as the squad is developing we feel that he may not play regularly in the coming season.

“We wish Lloyd well in finding a club where he is able to get more experience.”

Macklin made 15 first team appearances, mostly as a substitute, without finding the back of the net during his time in Wiltshire, but was tipped as a hot prospect following his impressive performances for the youth team.

And Under 18 boss Paul Bodin is confident the teenager will find another employer.

“We are obviously disappointed because Lloyd is a lad who has come through the system at the club,” he told the Advertiser.

“But at the end of the day the first team manager obviously feels he hasn’t done enough to hold down a regular place, and that is the most important decision.

“On his day Lloyd is as good as anyone. He has electric pace and delivers good crosses.

“But sometimes those type of players are let down a bit by their football intelligence and the tactical side of their game, because they have always just relied on their pace.

“Lloyd will find a club - I hope he does - because he is a lad who can blossom somewhere.”