BURNLEY manager Eddie Howe has paid tribute to departing club captain Graham Alexander, describing his exit as a ‘sad and very difficult’ decision to reach.

Scotland international Alexander left the club by mutual consent on Monday after agreeing a settlement over the remaining 12 months of his contract at Turf Moor.

Howe is looking to establish a younger squad for the forthcoming season.

But he admitted the club would never forget the role the 39-year-old played during this four years at Turf Moor, particularly in reaching the Premier League in 2009 and surpassing 1,000 career games towards the end of last season.

“He’s played a massive part in the success of the club and it’s very difficult when that has to come to an end,” said Howe.

“It’s very sad.

“I don’t underestimate the role Graham Alexander has played in Burnley’s recent history.

“We did offer Grez a coaching job but he felt the position we offered him wasn’t for him, which we understand. He’s fiercely determined to still play. That will and determination to play has influenced the career he’s had.

“Unfortunately we couldn’t guarantee him football.”

Alexander became only the second outfield player in English football to reach the 1,000 senior appearances milestone in April, behind his former Scunthorpe United team-mate Tony Ford.

He added three further appearances to his total by the end of last season, taking his overall tally with Burnley to 178 games.

But he never started under Howe, following the 33-year-old’s appointment in January, and it was because that situation was unlikely to change that his time at Turf Moor has come to an end.

“We wish him all the best for the future,” said the Clarets boss, who in acknowledging the esteem in which Alexander is held at the club added: “Although I wasn’t here at the time (of promotion) I’m aware of the huge part he played that season. But not just that, he has played a huge part behind the scenes in terms of the lads.

“He is a real figurehead of the club, which makes the decision even harder.

“There are very difficult decisions I have to make but every decision I make will be what I believe is right for the football club. As manager I’m prepared to make them.

“We are looking to the future and looking to bring in younger bodies. That’s not a criticism of anybody or anyone, that’s always been my philosophy.”