IT’S the end of an era at Turf Moor as Chris McCann heads out of Burnley after nine years as a Claret.

That was basically the headline act of the stage show, albeit without flashing spotlights, that was Burnley’s announcement of their retained list.

It may be just me but I can’t get carried away by the waves of fever pitched excitement generated by the day when clubs reveal who will be staying and who will be going.

These decisions are generally based on how players have performed over the past few months or years, and any regular fan can kind of work out for themselves who deserves a deal and who doesn’t.

And in the case of McCann it was clear that his time at the Turf was seriously numbered.

Ever since his well documented injury problems the Irishman’s performances have been nowhere near the levels he is capable of.

A few months ago I was telling a mate over a pint that McCann was linked with Everton in the following day’s paper. My pal had always been an admirer of the midfielder. His response to that bit of news therefore came as as a surprise to me.

“I’ll chuck a fiver in for his taxi to Liverpool,” said my mate.

I think at that stage the writing really was on the wall for McCann.

He has been drifting for a season or more and it will do him the power of good to try and find football elsewhere.

And if the suggestion from his agent that McCann declined reduced terms is true, then really it is time to move on.

Given his recent record it was no shock that he was not offered terms.

And there were few surprises on the list, although it is a real shame to see a couple of players head out of the Turf Moor door.

It is part and parcel of football that people will be released, just as it is part and parcel that a manager will eventually be sacked.

The one thing about the way modern football is, is that players will learn that sometimes painful lesson at a relatively young age.

Wes Fletcher was a striker with real promise. A few seasons ago he looked every inch as though he could go on and really make a name for himself but for whatever reason he seems to have lost his way.

Perhaps that is down to Fletcher himself, perhaps it is down to one of the variety of managers that he has played under at the Clarets.

Some bosses take a particular shine to certain players – and others never get a sniff.

No-one knows why Fletcher’s career has stalled but I had high hopes for the striker and I hope he can revive his career.

One that wasn’t a shock was the exit of goalkeeper Jon Stewart.

Eddie Howe’s decision to sign him in the first place was odd to say the least – and to then send him on what seemed like permanent loan to Alfreton was even more baffling.

I think we can all agree that was one move that really never paid off.