United chairman Ken Bates has paid tribute to outgoing defender Ben Parker.

The club announced earlier this week that the contracts of Ben and Finnish international Mika Vayrynen had been brought to an end early, and that the two players were free to move on.

For 24-year-old Ben it represents the end of an era. Having joined the club's Academy as a nine-year-old and been involved with the senior side since 2006, making his debut in 2007, he was the longest serving player.

"We're very sorry for Ben, but things have to come to an end," the chairman told Yorkshire Radio.

"He's had bad luck, but he's not going to make it with us, and it's not fair to him. If he goes somewhere else and makes a fresh start it could be that he does well.

"He's a lovely fellow and we wish him all the best. Although he's finished with us, he is going to carry on training to make sure he is fit for next season."

In total, Ben has made 47 starts for the club and seven sub appearances.