Lasley hangs up boots to concentrate on coaching role at Motherwell
Motherwell skipper Keith Lasley has announced he is retiring from playing after being appointed the Fir Park outfit's new assistant boss.
The 37-year-old turned out almost 500 times for the Steelmen over two spells with the Lanarkshire club.
But he has now decided the time is right to hang up his boots and concentrate on his new role working alongside boss Stephen Robinson.
Speaking to MFC TV, Lasley said: "It's a big change obviously, but this is something I've been planning for for a long time and this side of the game is something I'm passionate about.
"It's not fully sank in that I won't be pulling on that jersey again - I'm sure that will take a little bit of time - but the excitement of this opportunity is starting to outweigh that certainly.
"I'm just thankful to have been around this place for as long as I have. I walked in here off a building site never thinking that I would go on to play however many games, captain the club, play in Europe and play until the age of 37. It's beyond my wildest expectations."
Well boss Robinson reckons he has appointed the ideal number two as he plans for the season ahead.
The Northern Irishman said: "I spent a great deal of time speaking to a number of potential people for the post over the last few weeks, but Keith was by far and away the outstanding candidate for the job.
"He is extremely qualified in that he has his UEFA B, his A and his Pro Licence and has coached with our Under-17s and our Under-20s, but just as important, it helps keep a 'Motherwell' identity within the coaching staff, which I personally think is extremely important.
"He understands what it is like to play and do very well here, and has a huge passion for Motherwell FC and the supporters. I am really looking forward to working with him."
Meanwhile, Well have wrapped up the signing of former Everton goalkeeper Russell Griffiths after handing him a 12-month contract.
The Toffees Academy graduate spent the second half of last season on loan at Fir Park.
And the 21-year-old has now returned after failing to convince Goodison boss Ronald Koeman he deserved a longer stay on Merseyside.
With Craig Samson having returned to St Mirren this summer, he now appears to be in pole position to grab the Fir Park side's number one spot this term.
Griffiths said: "I'm raring to go and I'm looking forward to a good pre-season to get me ready for the start of the season.
"I'm glad that I've got in today and finalised everything so I'm really looking forward to kicking on and trying to seal the number one spot this season.