After four years at Brentford, Alan McCormack is set to depart the club at the end of his contract.

The Irishman served the Bees with pride during his time at Griffin Park and became a fans' favourite for his hard man demeanour.

Indeed, much like Chuck Norris, stories were spread about the 33-year-old's toughness and how, with a single stare, he could render his foes helpless.

McCormack is the archetypal football hard man. The biggest compliment you can pay the midfielder is that you hate him when he's on the opposing team because you know your players are going to have a hard time.

Injuries, particularly in the last three years, have limited his time on the pitch and a parting of the ways is probably best for both the club and the player.

Alan McCormack and his 'double' Jonjo Shelvey share a joke

If McCormack can stay out of the treatment room, he can certainly provide a different dimension for another club.

In an era where English football is looking to move towards technical, skilful players the Irishman's grit and steel still shone through.

But his tough guy image is only his on-pitch persona. Off the pitch, McCormack is a genuinely nice person who always has time for the supporters who want an autograph or a picture.

He also helps out the younger members in the squad and will, when he decides the time is right to hang up his boots, make a fantastic coach and manager one day.

McCormack's departure also takes the number of players still at the club from Brentford's League One promotion season down to five.

Alan McCormack against Stevenage

Harlee Dean, Nico Yennaris, Jack Bonham, Alan Judge and Josh Clarke all made appearances for the Bees in the 2013/14 season. Tom Field was in the club's academy system at the time.

Indeed, McCormack and Judge were the only two to feature on the day promotion was confirmed against Preston. Yennaris was an unused substitute, Dean was injured while Clarke and Bonham were not members of the matchday squad.

That team will, rightly, be heralded in the same manner the class of 1991/92 but the connections in the first team squad are dropping slowly but surely.

Sunday shouldn't be considered a sad day because McCormack is departing, the Irishman's contribution to Brentford over four years should be celebrated as he is wished well for the future.