ARGYLE manager Paul Sturrock called time on a golden era today with the decision to end the career of our most successful captain ever.

Paul Wotton's departure will grab most of the headlines but he will be joined by four other fantastic servants to the Argyle cause: Lee Hodges, Lilian Nalis, Paul Connolly and Nick Chadwick.

Luggy conceded it was a very difficult decision not to renew the contracts of all five players, who have each contributed to the recent successes of Plymouth Argyle.

"It has been a sad day," said Luggy.

"It is never a good day and I have got an even harder day coming along when I discuss things with some of the younger players.

"Anybody would appreciate that Paul Wotton and I have had a huge relationship over the years, and it was a very, very difficult decision to make.

"Obviously, with Lil, Chadwick, Hodgy and Shelley also moving on, it has killed the backbone of the old team, leaving the two goalies as the last remnants of that era.

"When I first came here, I moved a few players on who were favoured by the fans. I have had six months again and I feel freshness is important to the football club.

"I can assure you that my postbag will be full and the websites will be full of people saying I have made a big mistake, but I want to reshape the squad and revamp it.

"The five players moving on are model professionals and I would recommend them highly."

As a two-time Championship winning skipper with well over 400 appearances to his name, Wottsy's place in Argyle folklore is well assured.

Given their history together, Luggy conceded that breaking the news to Wottsy was incredibly tough.

He said: "Wottsy was obviously gutted and it was probably the worst conversation I have ever had to have with a football player.

"These things happen in football and there is the old ditty: time doesn't standby. We have to look to the future.

"Paul Wotton has been a fantastic captain for this football club and I don't think there will be any problems with him picking up another club.

"Hodgy and Wottsy were very hard [to tell them the news], but, life goes on. Sometimes you have to do difficult things for the benefit of the club."

Luggy discussed the reasoning behind his decisions in today's monthly Board meeting at Home Park.

All that is left now is for the Green Army to show their appreciation for five departing heroes.

"I told the Board meeting the road I wanted to go down" said Luggy.

"It was appropriate to get it out now and I would like the players to receive the appreciation of the club and the town."