Club captain Sean Dillon has left Tannadice after ten years at Dundee United.
The 33-year-old, who recently completed his testimonial year with the Tangerines, is out of contract this summer.
Over the past few months there have been discussions over a new deal that could have seen the Dubliner increase his coaching role with the under-17 players and remain on a playing contract as well.
After a meeting with manager Ray McKinnon this week, however, it’s been decided the time for a parting of the ways has come.
Last night the club confirmed his departure with United gaffer saying: “I had a chat with Sean and decided it would be best if he pursued other options because he wouldn’t play as much as he would like next season.
“As a club, we will have a massive rebuild required again for next season, and I have already begun the process as this decision shows. I have to ensure the club continues to build itself beyond its current place and we will look to improve the squad again next season.”
Sean added: “It has been fantastic to have played for, captained and won trophies at Dundee United. I have loved being here and will look back on my career here with mostly happiness.
“Winning the Scottish Cup in 2010 will live with me as my career highlight forever and relegation will remain the low point.
“While we narrowly missed out on an instant return to the Premiership, I am sure the club will return to the top tier in the near future.
“I still feel as fit as at any time in my career and look forward to playing as long as I can. I wish the club, and especially the fans who’ve been great to me, all the best for the future.”
His departure brings to an end the last continuous link with the successful era that kicked off when Craig Levein became manager in the autumn of 2006.
Dillon was his first signing when he was fixed up from then Irish champions Shelbourne for the following transfer window.
His debut in mid-January 2007 came in a 5-0 defeat at the hands of Rangers but that didn’t stop Dillon going on to make 346 appearances for the club, scoring seven goals in the process.
A 2010 Scottish Cup winner, he was made club captain by Jackie McNamara in 2013.
This season he has been used mainly as a squad player, making 13 starts and coming off the bench on a further eight occasions.
Dillon joins a list of departures that includes Luis Zwick, Frank van der Struijk and loanees Tony Andreu, Thomas Mikkelsen and Alex Nicholls.
And it looks set to grow. Blair Spittal, Willo Flood and Paul Dixon are also out of contract and could be playing their football elsewhere next season.
Spittal is already attracting interest from elsewhere, with Partick Thistle and Motherwell from the Premiership considering a move, as well as a number of clubs south of the border.
This article originally appeared on the Evening Telegraph website. For more information, read about our new combined website.