Clan legend Matt Haywood is gutted his record-breaking spell with the club ended with him feeling like a “last resort”.
Haywood has been synonymous with the Braehead Arena outfit for more than a decade, having been with the club since their inaugural season when he signed for Bruce Richardson’s team in 2010.
He has played in every season and under every coach, becoming Clan’s longest serving player and holding the record for the most appearances, having played 636 times. He also scored 85 times and picked up 149 assists, totalling 234 points in purple.
Haywood is hugely disappointed his significant career with the club has come to end, particularly as he feels he wasn’t shown the respect his long service deserved.
Haywood said: “Every season we say bye to teammates and families, some of which have become lifelong friends, knowing they would never be back to play again. But knowing it is us not coming back is hard to take.
“Unfortunately, it has not worked out for me to return as a Clan player.
“I have played for this team since 2010 and I am obviously disappointed my time has now come to an end in this way.
“I am not interested in being strung along and made to feel like a last resort at the bottom of the barrel.
“To be quite honest, I don’t think I deserve that after giving my all to the club these past 12 years.
“Now is the time to go out with self respect and dignity.”
It’s a massive moment for the Clan, with Haywood the only player in the club’s history to have enjoyed a testimonial back in February 2020.
Haywood thanked the club for that memorable night, and paid tribute to the purple army for backing him and his family over so many years.
Haywood said: “I’m sad we didn’t get a chance to say bye.
“I’m gutted we couldn’t have prepared my daughters that that was the last time they would step out on the ice after a game and wave to the purple army.
“I’m happy we have had so many memories, from bringing Charley out on the ice at ten days old to experience the noise from the purple army, to seeing Maddy in the crowd at her first game after being locked down for so long.
“I have a lot to thank the club for.
“I found my wife and had two beautiful children and I feel very grateful they got to see me play in the latter years of my Clan career.
“The testimonial was a huge highlight for me and I can’t thank everyone enough that helped to put that night together.
“The fans I can’t thank enough for being so kind to us, welcoming us into this hockey family.
“You took me in as a young 18-year-old and supported me as I grew up to captain the team.
“We will miss you all.”
Gareth Chalmers, Clan’s managing director, described Haywood as “part of the Clan fabric” and wished him the best for the future.
Chalmers said: “Matt joined the club from day one, has seen all the ups and downs and in the end made Glasgow his home.
“Matt transcends the various teams built by all the coaches through the years and should be applauded for becoming such a main stay in our line-up during that time.
“All good things must come to an end and a Clan team without Matt will certainly be a different prospect.
“Matt has been part of so many great moments in the Clan’s history and his testimonial night is one of the best nights this organisation has ever experienced.
“I want to thank Matt for everything he’s done, his contribution and wish him, Jen, Charley and Maddie all the very best luck of luck for the future going forward.”
