STEVEN Thompson has thanked Burnley for his English Premier League year after leaving Turf Moor to return north of the border.

He was one of three players released by manager Eddie Howe last night with fellow Scot Kevin McDonald and Remco Van Der Schaaf also heading for the Turf Moor exit.

Thompson is expected to go back to the SPL after deciding not to take up the 12-month option in the Clarets’ contract he signed last summer.

He was an integral part of the team that won promotion to the top flight in 2009, scoring his 11th goal for the club in the play-off semi-final second leg against Reading, before Burnley went on to beat Sheffield United at Wembley.

The former Glasgow Rangers and Cardiff City front man scored his first ever Premier League goal against Wolves last March, going on to end the campaign with four goals in six appearances.

But after committing to another Premier League push at Turf Moor last summer, Thompson revealed it was the frustration of starting only two Championship games this season that encouraged his move.

"Obviously I would have liked to have played more," he said.

"I feel as though on the occasions that I have been given the opportunity to start a match, which was very seldom, that I did well but nobody wanted to give me a sustained run in the team.

"There’s nothing you can do, but if you don’t get a run in the team you’re never going to be able to find any form.

"I’m disappointed. I think I’ll just erase this year from my memory and just remember the two previous years, which were fantastic, and I have some fantastic memories to take with me.

"The year that I came was just incredible, such an enjoyable and magical year.

"The team spirit we had and the victories we had, the play-offs and Wembley.

"It was a mindblowing season. It was just fantastic," added Thompson, who cited securing a 3-0 aggregate win with his play-off goal at the Madejski Stadium as a stand-out moment.

"I was delighted to get the goal and the manager had put me back in after I’d been out with an ankle injury.

"It was a big highlight but starting at Wembley in the final was also right up there.

"And of course last year in the Premier League. I’d have liked to have played more but getting some goals in the Premier League is something that I can remember fondly.

"I’ve met some wonderful people. All the people at the club are fantastic, the staff are great and obviously the fans as well.

"I’ve had a great rapport with them. It’s been a great experience.

"I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time here and I leave with fond memories."

But at 32, the Paisley-born striker felt he had to look to the future.

"When you get to 32, 33 you don’t know what your longevity’s going to be. Hopefully I’ve got two or three really good seasons left. I still feel very fit.

"Hopefully I’ve got a bit left in the tank," said Thompson, who is understood to have offers from three SPL teams.

"I’ve got a few options so that will be getting worked out in the next couple of weeks.

"I’m going to have a discussion with my agent and my family and decide what’s best."

McDonald made only one appearance this year after failing to make an impact, and was loaned out to Notts County and Scunthorpe.

His contract expired this summer, as did Van Der Schaaf’s.

Meanwhile, Wade Elliott has signed a two-year deal which will keep him at Turf Moor until 2013.