Perth Glory captain Brandon O’Neill has stunned the club, walking away from the A-League stragglers after completing just the first year of his three-season deal.

The club said in a statement they had granted the popular midfielder’s request for an early release.

They said O’Neill first expressed his desire to leave in February – a month before coach Richard Garcia was shown the door - citing family reasons and the belief that he is unable to perform to the best of his abilities while living in Perth.

Chief executive Tony Pignata described the skipper’s exit as “very disappointing”.

“Brandon was made captain of the club and for him to now ask for a release one year into a three-year deal is naturally very disappointing,” he said.

“However, if a player no longer wishes to play for Perth Glory, there is no point in forcing them to stay.

“We wish Brandon all the best for the future.”

O’Neill, who has been tipped to join Newcastle Jets, said his decision had been made before wholesale changes were made to the coaching team, including the appointment of coach Ruben Zadkovich and former striker Andy Keogh as recruitment officer..

“It is unfortunate how things have worked out since I came back to the club last year but Perth Glory will always retain a special place in my heart,” O’Neill said.

“I believe Glory is in great hands going forward following the recent changes in the football department and my decision was made before any of this materialised, based on my feeling of not being able to perform in Perth.

“I would like to thank the club for understanding my situation and decision and also express my gratitude to the Glory supporters who have always been fantastic with me and my family. “I wish the club well for the future.”

O’Neill, who missed the last two months of the season with a dislocated shoulder, was brought back to his hometown club last season.

His career came full circle from his 2012 A-League debut with Glory, to Sydney FC where he won two Championships, two Premierships and the FFA Cup, Korean club Pohang Steelers and Thai side Buriram United.

He made his one Socceroo appearance three years ago.