After weeks of uncertainty Coventry City defender Martin Cranie has rejected the offer of a new contract and will now leave the club.
City manager Andy Thorn had hoped to persuade Cranie to help spearhead the fight back to the Championship, but Cranie has decided that he wants to play in the Championship rather than League One.
Cranie's decision means he will leave the Sky Blues on a free transfer after three years at the club. The 25 year old was scouted by Thorn and signed in 2009 for an undisclosed fee from Portsmouth by Chris Coleman when he was the manager.
The news will be a double blow for Thorn as he was keen to keep hold of the versatile Cranie. Cranie could play in a variety of positions from full back, winger and central defender, but his decision to leave may well influence his close friend Richard Keogh to leave as well.
Keogh, City's outstanding player of the year, has attracted interest and bids form several other clubs. He has been offered a new deal despite still having another year to run on his current contract, but has yet to make a decision.
Cranie, speaking to the Coventry Telegraph's Andy Turner, said: “I wanted to see what was offered but I have always wanted to stay in the Championship.”
If Keogh does follow Cranie out of Coventry it will leave the club with a shortage of central defenders Richard Wood and Nathan Cameron, who is currently recovering from a knee operation.
Cardiff and Bristol City have both made offers, both rejected, for Keogh, but either club could come back with an improved offer which the cash strapped club might find difficult to turn down.
Cranie follows Clive Platt and Sammy Clingan out of Coventry and James McPake recently signed for Scottish side Hibs last week.
Cranie said: “Obviously I like it at Coventry but I don’t feel it is right for me at this time and I’m going to look elsewhere. I’m grateful to the club for everything it has done for me over the last three years. I’ve had a great time but I think it’s time for me to look for another club.
“The fans have been great with me, as have all the managers I’ve worked with. I’ve played in a few positions and this is the first time I have played week in, week out in a settled position and I’m grateful for that.”