Arbroath boss Dick Campbell has been dealt a big blow after key midfielder Blair Yule asked to be put on the transfer list.
The manager snapped up the highly-rated 25-year-old last summer after he left Highland League side Cove Rangers.
Yule, who previously had a trial with Doncaster Rovers and was on the radar of Dundee United as well as Inverness and Peterhead, was persuaded by Campbell that his ambition to play at a higher level should be realised with the Red Lichties in League 1.
He played 43 times for the Angus side last season, scoring two goals, with the Gayfield gaffer often singling him out for praise.
However, Yule, who works as an electrical engineer up north, has now intimated that he wants to return to the Highland League.
He still has a year left on his Arbroath deal and while the club won’t stand in his way, they are demanding a fee.
Campbell said: “Regretfully, we have had to put Blair Yule up for transfer.
“He wants to go back to the Highland League which is a big blow for us.
“He has another year left on his contract so we are determined he will not be leaving for nothing.
“We have had three offers already but our valuation has not been reached.
“Blair passed up the chance to go full-time to come to Arbroath and he is a very important player for us so it is disappointing that it looks like we will lose him.”
While Yule seems certain to be heading for the Gayfield exit, another Arbroath player who also appeared to be on his way out, Ryan McCord, has had a change of heart and has pledged his future to the club.
Campbell said: “Ryan was frustrated at a lack of game time towards the end of last season.
“So although he still had another year left on his deal, I shook hands with him and told him he could find another club.
“There was interest in him from a few teams but I phoned him and he has now decided to come back to Arbroath for next season which is a big boost for us.”
