Release clause or not he didn't have to go. He could have said I am flattered by your interest but I would rather stay at Burnley as they have been good to me over the years. I am happy at Burnley and maintaining Burnleys presence in the Premier League is my ultimate aim at this present time. However, he chose to leave presumably to be a part of this wonderful project at Newcastle so as far as I am concerned we are better off without him, no one is indispensable. As Malwayne says 'Look to the future.'