MOTHERWELL have confirmed that eight players including striker Scott McDonald will leave Fir Park at the end of the month. 

The former Celtic striker notified the Steelmen that he did not intend to take up his contractual option for next term.

Joining McDonald by heading out the exit door are Craig Samson, Joe Chalmers, Lee Lucas, Craig Moore, David Ferguson and Stephen Pearson. 

Defender Zak Jules will return to parent club Reading at the end of his loan deal. 

In addition, the club announced that they are in talks with Lionel Ainsworth, Russell Griffiths and Keith Lasley over extending their deals after securing Premiership safety. 

Five Under-20s players will also be offered new deals: Barry Maguire, Dylan Falconer, Shea Gordon, Peter Morrison and Adam Livingstone. 

“First of all, I want to thank everyone who will leave Fir Park for the last time as a Motherwell player," said boss Stephen Robinson.

“There are a lot of lads there who have played a lot of football for this club or have came through the ranks here, and it’s important we acknowledge that. It is never a nice or easy part of the game when people leave, but I have sat down with every one of them to give them my thoughts, which is the least I can do.

“At the moment, we have thirteen senior players contracted and the hard work has already started. I hope to have the first of the new arrivals in the door soon; I don’t intend to waste any time rebuilding as it’s a big job.”