Motherwell CEO Alan Burrows delivered an emotional farewell speech on after the Steelmen beat Hearts 2-0 on Sunday afternoon - admitting his exit is a 'huge wrench' as he prepares to move to Aberdeen.
Burrows' career is incredibly well-documented. Starting off as a Motherwell 'superfan', he embarked on a pre-season tour to watch the Fir Park outfit before helping out as a volunteer at the club. Eventually, his off the field endeavours saw him rapidly progress at his boyhood club before being given the chance to become CEO in a 'Roy of the Rovers' fairytale.
Becoming CEO in 2014, Motherwell have since played in the Europa League, Europa Conference League, two domestic cup finals and finished third in the Scottish Premiership under Burrows' guidance. And, having only missed one home game since 1993, he issued a fond farewell to his time at Fir Park - despite admitting that it is the 'right thing to do' for the club.
He told BBC Sportsound: "I feel emotional. I'm absolutely delighted that the team won and put on a performance like that because it's been a difficult season. Every Motherwell fan would tell you the same and I'm not immune to that.
"I feel emotional that this is my last home game. I've missed one game here since 1993 - a 1-1 draw with Dundee United last year when I had Covid. It's been a way of life for me for most of my adolescent and adult life. So it's a huge wrench for me to go. But at the same time, to put a positive spin on it, I think it's a good thing for the club and maybe for me too.
"I love this place. Most people listening to this will be familiar with what their football club means to them and their family. This club, like it does for loads of people, has got me through hard times and has been there in the good times.
"As much as it's the right thing for me personally and the club. I've been here for nearly 16 years and that's a long time for anyone to be at one club. I've been effectively running the club for nine and when you're so emotionally attached that's a long time for somebody to be running a football club. I want to make sure the person running this club is fresh and hasn't been beaten up by how things have gone.
"On the flip side, obviously I'm going to a club in Aberdeen who are a big club with a huge ambition, huge history and hopefully a huge future. As much as it's a huge wrench to leave a club that I love dearly I just think the time is right and I'm just so happy the last game at Fir Park has ended on such a positive note."
