Former Snow Patrol bassist Mark McClelland has spoken out about his dismissal from the band.

It was reported yesterday that McClelland had been let go from the band due to "unexpected pressures". However, the shocked musician told the Daily Record: “This is one thing that I thought would never happen. I think Gary (Lightbody) wanted more control and less interference. It’s a solo effort now because he’ll be the only one really contributing to the band.???

He continued: “I didn’t see it coming because there was no real indication of these pressures they were talking about. I went down for a meeting to discuss what I thought was about when we were going to start rehearsing and writing for the new album and they just sprung it on me.???

It was Lightbody himself, who co-founded the band with McClelland in 1994 at Dundee University, who broke the news to him. “Gary said to me, ‘We’re not getting on. I don’t feel I can write music with you in the band and you’re going to have to go,’??? he explained. “It was as simple as that. I wanted an explanation but there was none forthcoming.???