Steve Harper: “It will be a sad day.
“It was obviously disappointing to find out the news that I won't be offered a new contract, but I’m 38 and I’ve been there over half my life.
“It will sad day on May 19 when I leave for the last time.
“Maybe part of me was expecting it, but still when you hear it, it’s not nice.
“That’s the way the world is. We’ve got a young, vibrant squad, and I’m by far the oldest.
“I took it on myself to see the manager. It was the middle of March, and we had a conversation.
“Whenever I’ve spoken to the manager we’ve always been civil and got on well. We had a man-to-man conversation. There’s no resentment there on my part.
“Hopefully, three points against Arsenal (on May 19) with my children as mascots, and I can walk out with my head held high.
“Over the course of 20 years you’re going to have some regrets.
“The three or four year period when Shay was playing year in, year out – that’s when I should have done something about it.
“But ultimately I wanted to play week in, week out.
“I got that in a two-year period, which I loved. Not many people get the opportunity to do that at such a fantastic club.
“We’ve signed some fantastic players - (Moussa) Sissoko and the like – and we have a good opportunity in the Europa cup to hopefully bring some silverware back.
“I’m young enough to continue playing for a year or two.
“Come the summer I’ll look at all the options.”