DEPARTING Wasps hero Mark Docherty says the finale to last season was the perfect way to end his second spell with the club.

The former St Mirren trainee provided an assist for the crucial third goal by Daryll Meggatt which helped the Clackmannanshire outfit retain their Championship status and so he believes it is now the perfect time to leave and seek a new challenge.

The versatile midfielder feels like he has now put right the injustice he felt at being released in his first spell under previous boss Paul Hartley and can now leave the club with his head held high following arguably his best ever season.

Docherty told Advertiser sport: “When Paul Hartley let me go the first time around I was so bitterly disappointed and felt it was the wrong decision so I had a feeling of unfinished business coming back to the club last summer and with the season I had hopefully I have put that right with probably my most consistent season yet. That’s why it was a hard decision for me to leave the club having fought so hard to get back here after being released.

“We had another memorable season full of highlights and moments I will never forget. As a group of players though, who have practically all been together for four years, it did just feel like the end of an era after the Forfar game. We have accomplished so much together and we leave with the club in the Championship where it belongs. It was such a perfect ending for so many of us.

“I am sad to go from such a great club where everyone from the staff to the supporters make you feel like part of the family, but it is just one of these things in football where it was time for a change. I have really enjoyed every minute with the club and I can only thank them all for my time there because I have loved every minute.” Docherty paid tribute to his team mates with whom he had a special bond and he now believes Danny Lennon has a difficult task on his hands to replace them.

He said: “I thank Barry Smith for giving me the chance to come back and be part of that fantastic dressing room again with a special group of boys. I got a lot of plaudits for my own performances last season, but you cannot do anything without your team mates and I would do anything for that bunch of lads.

“We all work really hard for each other and the core group will be a really tough task to replace. I have some unbelievable memories to take away, but this season has been the best for me having played such a vital role in it all.

“As last day’s go I am not sure that second Forfar game will be topped. Everyone had written us off and gave us no hope, but we never gave up and always knew we could do it. It was just an brilliant match to be a part of.” The 27-year-old now embarks on a new adventure with the Wasps bitter part-time rivals Dumbarton where he will link up with former boss Steve Aitken, who he revealed played a crucial role in securing his signature, but he still believes the Wasps can defy the odds and stay up once again.

Docherty added: “Obviously, the fans will be disappointed with so many of us leaving, but football moves on very quickly and I am sure Danny Lennon will recruit properly, have a really strong team and I believe they will be fine again next season.

“I am now linking up with my former gaffer and friend in Steve Aitken and with my family circumstances alongside the chance to work with a manager who I know and trust was too good to refuse. He made me feel like I was really wanted at Dumbarton and so I am looking forward to the challenge now.”