Sweeney, 24, was totally frozen out at Elland Road last term, failing to make a first-team appearance under Simon Grayson and ex-Leeds United boss Gary McAllister last term.

But despite being in the wilderness in West Yorkshire, the ex-Millwall and Stoke City player – who featured just nine times for United after joining from the Lions in January 2008 – is philosophical over his departure.

Sweeney, whose final outing for the club was way back in May 2008 on the final day of the 2007-08 regular season against Gillingham, said: "I don't have any bitterness about Leeds – it's just how football goes sometimes.

"Dennis Wise signed me and then left for Newcastle and you couldn't blame him for taking an opportunity like that.

"That killed me really and I didn't really get a look in after that.
"But that's in the past now. I'm a Grimsby player and there's plenty to be optimistic about here.

"I didn't want to join a club without ambition and that's why I was always set on Grimsby."

The Londoner has signed a two-year deal with the Mariners, where he spent a productive loan stint at the end of last season – and is relieved to get his long-term future sorted out.

He said: "I'm buzzing now everything's sorted and I can't wait for the season to start.

"I spoke to Mike Newell (Grimsby boss) a lot throughout the summer and my agent kept me in touch with everything.

"Once I sorted things out at Leeds it went pretty quickly. I wanted it all sorted as soon as possible.

"There was interest from other clubs and one close to my home wanted me to go and train with them, but I had my mind set on Grimsby, as I've said before," said the ex-Millwall man.

"I did have to seriously think about the future, but I'm still young and there's a lot more to come from me."