THE BIG INTERVIEW: Former Forest winger Elliott Frear on his time at Rovers, Motherwell and lifting the lid on Cheltenham Town switch

Ashley Loveridge: You had a fantastic time at Motherwell, playing the likes of Celtic and Rangers, was it disappointing when your two-year stint came to an end?

Elliott Frear: Yes, I had a great time at Motherwell, enjoyed two domestic cup finals and two good league finishes. It was my decision to leave after they offered me a new contract, I just felt like I needed a change of scenery and a different challenge.

AL: You've spent time during pre-season at Oxford United, what's the current situation?

EF: Yes, I’ve played two game and done okay, it’s a big club with superb facilities so will just have to wait and see. It’s important for me to be a first team regular next season so I’m just weighing up some options and I’ll go from there.

AL: Forest Green was a red-hot period for you, including a trip to Wembley, how do you recall your time at the New Lawn?

EF: I absolutely loved it, I would say it’s the happiest I’ve ever been at a football club - both on and off the pitch. One day I would love to return, the fans were great to me and my family, my wife and I really enjoyed our time in the area, hopefully something in the future will pop up.

AL: You were close to joining Cheltenham in your final season at FGR. What was the story behind a move which at the time sparked a war of words between chairman Dale Vince and his Cheltenham Town counterpart Paul Baker?

EF: Yes, we held talks and I decided against it at the time, I was very happy at FGR and wanted to get the club promoted, the opportunity at Motherwell in January was something I couldn’t refuse at the time though.

AL: How was it playing against the likes of Celtic and Rangers?

EF: They are huge games, both Parkhead and Ibrox are world-class stadiums and sell out every game. The first time I played at Ibrox I got goose bumps in tunnel, the noise was something else. Scoring at Celtic Park was definitely a career highlight for me.

AL: At 28 do you feel you are reaching your peak as a footballer?

EF: No, not at all, I haven’t played a huge amount over the past two years, I’ve been really lucky injury wise so I’m hoping I’ve still got a good few years left at a high level.

AL: Is the plan to play in England?

EF: The main plan is to get playing regularly and getting back to enjoying myself again. My wife and I like living in Scotland, our daughter was born in Scotland, it’s a great place to be and links back down south are very good, so I’m just keep my options open now.