Club captain Jay Spearing leaves Blackpool after failing to agree terms on new contract

The club captain had been offered a new deal with his current contract due to end at the end of the month.

But following talks with the club, the former Liverpool man felt it was time to move on.

The midfielder departs having made 120 appearances for the Seasiders, scoring eight times.

“Jay has been a wonderful player and captain of this football club during his time here and we are sorry to see him go,” head coach Neil Critchley said.

“The club made Jay an offer to stay for the upcoming season, but Jay felt it was time to move on and we fully respect and understand his decision.”

Spearing thanked the fans for their unwavering support during the last three years, going on to wish the club the very best for the future.

“It’s been a privilege to play for and captain Blackpool Football Club,” he said.

“The support myself and all of the players received during my time here has been incredible. Last year’s ‘homecoming’ match will particularly stay with me for a long time.

“I’d like to thank the supporters and the football club and wish everyone the very best going forward.”

The 31-year-old had previously indicated he would be willing to extend his stay with the Seasiders, having first arrived at Bloomfield Road in 2017.

Speaking to The Gazette in March, Spearing said: “I’ve told the manager and I’ve told the staff that I’d love to be here in the project going forward. I think it’s exciting times for the club.

“At the end of the day it’s down to them. If they want to give me a new contract then that would be fantastic.

“They know where I stand. I enjoy being here and I really enjoy playing football with the new manager especially.

“I do see the club going forward and I’d love to be part of that if the option was there.”

Spearing added: “From day one when the new owner came in we said we wanted to be a part of it. I want to be a part of it and most of the lads do as well, otherwise we wouldn’t be working as hard as we are on the training field.

“It is really exciting to see that Blackpool are back. The crowds are back and hopefully the new training ground will get done, which will show the club is taking massive steps forward.

“It’s a great place to be a part of. The managerial appointment is a great one because he’s got experience and he’s going to come in with a different way of playing.

“We’ve got to enjoy the rest of the season and win as many games as possible, because no-one enjoys losing games and we’re not here to just be on a ride until the end of the season. We want to be successful.

“We start by being successful and hopefully take that into pre-season and onto next season.”