CHRIS BURKE has announced he is leaving Kilmarnock in search of a new club despite an offer of a coaching role at Rugby Park.
The veteran winger, 38, was given the chance to move into a full-time coaching position with the newly-promoted Scottish Premiership club, but will move on this summer.
Instead, Burke has decided to look for a new club to continue his playing career after reflecting on his position during a break on holiday.
Announcing his decision on Sky Sports, Burke explained: "I went away on holiday and gathered my thoughts.
"Everybody knew at Kilmarnock I got offered a coaching role and a fantastic opportunity that I was given.
"I have a great relationship with everyone at the club but it was probably just the wrong job at the wrong time for me.
"Once I reflected on what I wanted to do, I still have a burning desire inside me to play football and be competitive at first-team level and hopefully offer something to a club.
"I had a great and fantastic five seasons and can't speak highly enough of the football club and the way it's handled.
"I just think but sometimes fairytales do end but it has ended in a good way."
Burke had been at Kilmarnock since July 2017 and played more than 150 games for the club in his time at Rugby Park.
However, after clinching promotion to the top-flight he decided to move on for first-team football. He previously played for Rangers, Cardiff, Birmingham, Nottingham Forest, Rotherham and Ross County.
