AN 11-year reign with The New Saints has come to an end for Tommy Holmes, who has not been offered terms for next season.
The 31-year-old was the second longest-serving player at the club after being signed from Tranmere Rovers by then manager Ken McKenna 11 years ago and since making 266 full Welsh Premier appearances, bettered only by midfielder Scott Ruscoe.
Holmes, who only took up the game at the age of 12 after being converted from martial arts, developed into an accomplished player at left back or in the centre of defence and has played a major part in the club's four title wins since his arrival, as well as winning Welsh Cup, FAW Premier Cup and Loosemores League Cup honours.
Only six domestic league players have featured in more European action than the Birkenhead-born defender, who has played in eight Champions League games, including the home and away ties against Liverpool in 2005, and nine in the Uefa Cup/Europa League.
Supporters' player of the season for 2008/9 and voted Welsh Premier player of the month in February 2009, Holmes has two footballing brothers - Danny, who was also released by TNS last month - and Jamie, who featured for Connah's Quay some seasons ago.
"Tosh has been a superb professional and club servant and we wish him all the best in finding a new club," says the Saints' director of football Mike Davies.