This afternoon, Walsall Football Club have released their 'Released and Retained' list ahead of the recognised contract expiry date on 30th June.The list includes those players who have been offered new deals and those who will be released at the end of their current deal.
Also detailed are those players the club have decided to keep via a one-year extension option in their current deals.
The club have decided to release, top-scorer Craig Westcarr, former Queens Park Rangers striker Troy Hewitt, academy products Danny Griffiths, and Liam Roberts, midfielder Nicky Featherstone, up-and-coming right-back Ben George ex-Hereford United winger James McQuilkin and former West Bromwich Albion 'keeper Shane Lewis.
Dean Smith released a brief statement via Saddlers.co.uk, he said; “We thank them for their efforts. At this time of the year decisions have to be made and we wish each of them well in the future.”
Discussions are currently on-going with club captain Andy Butler, James Chambers, Andy Taylor, Ben Purkiss, Kieron Morris and Jake Heath.
One-year options have been taken up on emerging youngsters Matt Preston and Reece Flanagan, whilst the experienced Dean Holden has accepted a player-coach role for the 2014/15 campaign.
Meanwhile, Ashley Hemmings will be spoken to after his season with Burton Albion, where he is currently on loan, comes to a conclusion.
The following players are already under contract at the club:
Richard O’Donnell, Adam Chambers, Sam Mantom, Paul Downing, Malvind Benning, James Baxendale, Romaine Sawyers, Amadou Bakayoko and Liam Kinsella.