Peter Hartley walks away with his head held high after his final act as captain was to lead Motherwell back into the Europa League.
The skipper was one of several first-team players released at the weekend. The 32-year-old, who led Well to third in the Premiership, had been in talks over a new deal but financial constraints meant that had to be scrapped.
Hartley said: “I was happy at the club. I would have liked to have stayed but changing circumstances mean that is not going to be able to happen.
“I was initially offered a contract but the longer this went on the more difficult a situation the club was in. It was one of those things where there was no longer a deal on the table for me.
“These things happen and I don’t bear any grudges against anyone.
“I leave with a heavy heart because I made a lot of friends there – not just the players but everybody from the people in the kitchen to the fans and the
administrative team.
“It’s a shame it has had to end like this without getting the chance to say goodbye and thank you to people face to face because of the lockdown.
“I’ve made a lot of phone calls to thank people for welcoming me and helping me in my time at Motherwell.
“I don’t even regret a minute and that includes now I’ve been released because I will still remain a fan of the club.
“I will continue to come back up as a fan and hopefully I can get up for their Europa League games.”
The central defender might not have picked up any silverware but leaves with many memories. Hartley added: “I had a great time at Motherwell, getting to two cup finals and finishing third.
“I’ve gone out on a high. Playing in the Cup Final was fantastic, contributing to the goal against Aberdeen in the semi-final and scoring the equaliser was a big goal because I had a lot of family there.
“It was a club that felt like home from the moment I walked through the door.
“It’s the type of place where you’re excited to go and work because everybody is pushing in the one direction.
“My highlight is Motherwell FC. You have your up and down days but even the down days were good.”
