STEPHEN CRAIGAN will retire at the end of the season despite being offered a new deal by Motherwell and the chance to start a coaching career.

The 35-year-old former Northern Ireland inter-national has been at Fir Park for 10 years since beginning his second spell at the club and enjoyed a testimonial at the beginning of the season.

"When I joined the club in 1994 I had no idea that I would spend the majority of my adult life and footballing career at Fir Park," said the defender, who will now work in the media.

"My aim was to play football professionally and today I can say I achieved my goal and it's been a wonderfully satisfying journey.

"I take a lot of pride that I've represented the club 378 times and also in wearing the claret and amber colours."

Despite a troublesome hamstring injury meaning that he made only seven appearances after the New Year, Well boss Stuart McCall had been hoping to keep the vastly experienced stopper.

"I believe he still had plenty to offer and his professionalism and dedication have been a shining example to our young players at Fir Park," said McCall.

"We had tabled a new deal with coaching duties involved, but Stephen has elected to hang up his boots at the end of the season and we will wish him good luck with whatever his future is.

"We have our final game of the season with Dundee United on Sunday and that will provide Stephen with the ideal opportunity to say goodbye to the support."

McCall has been busy sorting out new deals for his out-of-contract stars.

Midfield stalwarts Keith Lasley and Steven Jennings, left-back Stevie Hammell, stopper Tim Clancy and reserve keeper Lee Hollis have all been offered new two-year deals.

However, squad player Ross Forbes will be released along with several of the club's young reserve players, including strike prospect Gary Smith.

The Steelmen gaffer admitted that it had been a tough few days as he attempts to shape his squad for next season's assault on the Champions League qualifiers.

McCall said: "It has been a tough couple of days and releasing players is something that no manager likes to do.

"Of the players we have offered new deals to, we are hopeful that we will hear back within the next couple of weeks.

"The first leg of the Champions League third round qualifiers will be on July 30/31 and I would like to think that would be an attraction to the lads."

McCall is confident top scorer Michael Higdon will return from the back spasm that sidelined him for last Saturday's trip to Rangers.

The Well gaffer said: "Michael trained well on Tuesday and we are fairly confident he will be available for Sunday.

"With a reduced gate price of £5 we will be going all out to finish on a high in front of a big home support."