Tony Watt stays at Motherwell FC but Peter Hartley, Richard Tait and Mark Gillespie among group to depart

In addition, midfielder Christian Ilic, left back Adam Livingstone and forward Christy Manzinga are also leaving Fir Park.

Rolando Aarons, Mikael Ndjoli and Mark O’Hara go back to Newcastle, Bournemouth and Peterborough respectively after loan spells.

Motherwell boss Stephen Robinson said: “I’d like to thank every player who is leaving for their efforts during their time at the club.

“They leave us with our best wishes for the future.”

Hartley leaves after three years at Fir Park, during which he made 66 appearances in central defence.

He took over the captaincy from Carl McHugh in 2018/19 and featured heavily this campaign as the club took third spot in the Ladbrokes Premiership.

Goalkeeper Gillespie departs after two years in North Lanarkshire.

With 25 clean sheets and a 47 per cent penalty save percentage in 67 appearances, his 17 shutouts in 2019/20 had him challenging to match Trevor Carson’s record 20, before the season was curtailed.

Richard Tait was a popular figure on and off the field at the club, having signed from Grimsby Town in the summer of 2016.

Tait (30) made 12 Premiership starts last season, taking his overall tally to 142 in claret and amber across four campaigns.

Meanwhile, defender Charles Dunne, forward Chris Long, stopper Barry Maguire and youngsters Peter Morrison, Harry Robinson and Yusuf Hussain have all been offered extended deals, Motherwell said.

The club have been discussing with Dunne the possibility of a short-term deal, allowing him to get back to full fitness at the club before he is assessed over a potential longer contract.

Already tied up for another season with the Steelmen is ex-Celtic forward Watt, who initially joined the club on a short-term deal in February.

Watt (26), scored two goals across 326 minutes in six appearances, before the 2019/20 campaign was ended.

“I’m really happy to be staying at Motherwell,” said the player.

“The manager and the coaching staff have been outstanding with me since I came to the club.

“The manager gave me a real belief when I joined and helped me get my confidence. I’m ready to do anything to repay that and help the club.

“It’s a place where I feel at home. I really feel I can make a mark and I can’t wait to get started again.”

Gaffer Robbo added: “We’re delighted Tony has agreed to sign for the season and we are looking forward to working with him.

“I believe he showed the quality he has when he came in earlier in the year.

“The fitter and stronger he gets, the bigger an asset he will be to us.

“I feel there is a lot more to come and he has shown me he really wants this.

“We will give him a platform to show his talent and give him a stage where he can be successful, with people who believe in him.”