The thing is it's down to him at the end of the day , he is under contract so has a right to stay with us, but if he is not going to get game time he may feel it's time to move on, I agree that he has been a faithful and honourable guy who has helped us tremendously over the years, but things move on and players and clubs progress and a parting of ways is inevitable at some point.
A question though, if he stays and does not get much game time, should he be still our captain, the same for Tate who is our vice captain? I just can't see either being first team, sentiment is not an answer I am afraid.