Kenny Jackett: George Elokobi has been a wonderful servant to Wolves

Wolves boss Kenny Jackett today paid tribute to the "tremendous servant" George Elokobi after admitting it was a tough decision to let him go.

The popular left-back, who is out of contract this summer, has been released after six and a half years at Molineux during which he made 103 appearances.

Elokobi joined Wolves from Colchester for around £300,000 in January 2008 and helped the team to the play-offs in his first season before being part of the squad that won the Championship title the following year and spent three seasons in the Premier League.

His highlights included scoring four goals, plus claiming one which Kevin Doyle also said was his in the 2-1 win over Manchester United in 2010-11.

Jackett only played the Cameroon-born defender nine times, and he leaves in pursuit of regular football with a glowing endorsement from the head coach.

"George has been a tremendous servant to the club and we thank him for his time here both the chairman, chief executive, Kevin Thelwell and myself on a day-to-day basis, and I'm sure past staff will thank him for his services," said Jackett.

"We wish him all the best in his future career.

"It was a tough decision but I do feel George needs to go and at this stage of his career, he needs to be playing regularly.

"He's capable of that and will do very well for his next club.

"Elokobi, always larger than life and a vocal presence in the dressing room, was praised for setting a good example.

"He's an outstanding professional and a terrific man," said Jackett.

"He has some frustration because he hasn't played as many games as he would have liked but he has the opportunity to get in someone's first team which he's very capable of and it will be a fresh start for him.

"But we thank him for everything he's done and he's a fantastic character to have around."

Elokobi also came through a career-threatening knee injury in August 2008 before making his comeback the following May to earn more praise from Jackett.

"He's come through a lot and been a terrific servant and been a big part of many successful campaigns," said the boss.

"He's done exceptionally well for the club."

And Jackett expects the powerfully-built defender to make his own inimitable farewell, even though he won't be playing in tomorrow's final game of the season against Carlisle.

"It's up to him, but I'm sure, knowing him, there will be an opportunity and he'll be around," said Jackett.

"I'm sure he'll be wishing the boys all the very best for the game and hoping for the win.

"In terms of his hamstring, he'll be touch and go - he's pretty much fit, but I won't be selecting him.

"He's recovered from it but I don't see it as a situation where we need to take a risk on it."