Motherwell have confirmed Scott McDonald is leaving the club, with seven others following him through the exit door at Fir Park.

Stephen Robinson's side secured Premiership survival with a game to spare and following the final match of the season he has begun work on revamping his squad.

McDonald is the most high-profile of the departures with the Australian forward having declined a contract extension.

Craig Samson, Joe Chalmers, Lee Lucas, Craig Moore, Stephen Pearson and David Ferguson will also leave, while Zak Jules will return to Reading after his loan deal ended.

Talks have begun with Lionel Ainsworth, Russell Griffiths and Keith Lasley over new contracts.

"I want to thank everyone who will leave Fir Park for the last time as a Motherwell player," Robinson told the club's official website.

"There are a lot of lads there who have played a lot of football for this club or have came through the ranks here, and it's important we acknowledge that.

"It is never a nice or easy part of the game when people leave, but I have sat down with every one of them to give them my thoughts, which is the least I can do.

"At the moment, we have 13 senior players contracted and the hard work has already started. I hope to have the first of the new arrivals in the door soon; I don't intend to waste any time rebuilding as it's a big job."