Keith Lasley says a chance to 'realise my ambitions' is the driving force behind his Motherwell exit as he prepares to join St Mirren.
The club legend and current assistant manager has taken up the offer to become chief operating officer at the Steelmen's Premiership competitors St Mirren, his hometown team.
Lasley takes on the newly created role at the end of this season following the retirement of Buddies chief executive officer Tony Fitzpatrick last month.
He has been studying Masters of Sport Directorship in Manchester recently and will use the knowledge gained from this in a newly-created role at Saints.
His Motherwell career started in 1999 and outside of two years down south with Plymouth and Blackpool, the Paisley-born spent his entire playing days in ML1, bringing them to a close in 2017.
He's since been a coach at Fir Park under Stephen Robinson - currently St Mirren boss - and Graham Alexander.
The 42-year-old said: "I have always been ambitious and driven throughout my football career.
"St Mirren, my hometown team, have provided me with an incredible opportunity to realise my ambitions in the role of chief operating officer.
"My on-the-job experience at Motherwell and academic learning have provided me with the skills to be a success in this role and be part of the leadership that will drive St Mirren forward and fulfil the massive potential this club has.
"Having being part of a fan-owned club, which sits at the heart of the community and has set high standards in how to operate, both on and off the park, I look forward to bringing my positive experiences to generate further fans and strengthen community engagement.
"It It has been a pleasure and a privilege to serve Motherwell Football club for twenty years. There have been some very special moments along the way.
"From making my debut at 19 through to captaining the club and ultimately on to my current role as assistant manager, I have enjoyed every single minute.
“This club means so much to me and my family and will continue to do so."
'Well chairman Jim McMahon is gutted to lose Lasley: “We were very keen for Keith to stay at Motherwell and have helped him in his development towards a new career path.
"But we also acknowledge this is a very exciting opportunity for him. Keith has been a fantastic servant to Motherwell FC; he is a legend in every sense of the word."
Alexander meanwhile acknowledges the opportunity is one the former captain couldn't turn down: "I am reluctant to lose Keith from our coaching staff as we have a very good relationship.
"He plays a significant part in what we do. However, when he set out the direction in which he saw his career going and then with this role presented itself, it was clear it was too good for him to turn down."
“I want to personally thank him for all his help and support over the last sixteen months and wish him every success in his new role.”
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