A PERIOD of change began this week with the departure of midfielder Garreth O'Connor.

Manager Owen Coyle has described the release of players as one of his more difficult tasks of his job, but knows it is a necessary process to strengthen in the long-term.

"The difficulty is with players leaving the football club, the bottom line is we're all human beings, you get attached to them, and I'm quite emotional, as people know," he said.

"It's a horrible feeling when you're having to tell people there's no future for them at the football club, but having said that, it's part of the job, and you have to make those sort of decisions.

"All you can do is do it with an honesty, and that's the way I go about it."

He added: "When I came in, Garreth didn't even have a squad number and I don't think he was training with the lads, so we rectified that and he's been a part of the first team squad since.

"Yes, his appearances have been limited, and I think that's just through the midfield area being quite strong. The competition was fierce. He was in the 16 on a few occasions but unfortunately just couldn't break into the team.

"I was honest and up front with him from day one and explained it was going to be difficult for him to get in, but he would get a crack at it, and he worked ever so hard. It's just unfortunate that it hasn't worked out. But we wish him nothing but the very best.

"He's a terrific lad, a top professional who has worked hard every day in training."