AS he prepares to leave the club he has been a part of for 24 years, Lee Briers admits moving on from Warrington Wolves is “emotional and scary.”

However, he believes it to be the right time to broaden his horizons as The Wire embark on a new era under Daryl Powell from next year.

The club have this afternoon confirmed that Briers, his fellow assistant coach Andrew Henderson and head of analysts Jack Phillips will depart alongside head coach Steve Price when the 2021 season ends.

> More on the coaching departures from Warrington Wolves here

But is the departure of Briers, who has been integral to almost all of the club’s finest moments in recent history, that will be most keenly felt.

Having joined from his hometown club St Helens in 1997, he leaves as the club’s all-time record points scorer and a certified club legend.

“It is an emotional and scary time to be leaving after 25 years,” he said.

“But on reflection, this is the right time to go and experience something else which is quite exciting and scary at the same time.

“I wish Daryl Powell and the club all the best for 2022 onwards.

“I’m extremely thankful to the Club for the last 25 years.

“I’ve achieved some incredible things and have loved every minute of my time here.

“I’ve experienced everything – the highs, the lows and the in-betweens.”

> Opinion: Lee Briers will leave Warrington Wolves as an all-time rugby league great

It is argued by many supporters that the club are still yet to replace Briers on the field after his glittering playing career came to an end in 2013.

Along with his 2,586 points scored across 425 appearances, he helped bring the Challenge Cup back to Warrington for the first time in 35 years back in 2009 and again in 2010 and 2012.

Upon his retirement, he became a coach with the club’s academy before being promoted to the first-team assistant role he still holds when Price arrived at the club for 2018.

“I want to thank all the fans for taking me in back in 1997 as a young boy who’s now leaving as a man,” said Briers, whose son Reece is currently a part of The Wire’s under 18s squad.

“We as a family have all taken to Warrington and my kids have both grown up to be big Warrington fans.

“There are thousands of people I could thank who had a big impact on my career both in playing and in coaching.

“I thank Darryl van de Velde first and foremost for bringing me to the Club along with Peter Higham. Paul Cullen too for giving me the opportunity to captain this great club.

“Tony Smith came in and was sensational in the development of me - he bettered me as a person which I’m very thankful for.

“Pricey [Steve Price] as well for giving me my first assistant coach role. Ourselves and our families have become really close over the past few years.

“The Supporters’ Trust too have been a massive part of my life ever since I had a Testimonial and I’m grateful for everything they do.

“I also can’t thank Simon Moran enough for everything he’s done for me over the years.”