BURTON Albion manager Nigel Clough has announced his retained list as he prepares the club for its first-ever season in The Championship.
New deals will be offered to top scorer Lucas Akins and left back Damien McCrory, whose contracts have expired. Young keeper Sam Hornby will also be offered a new deal.Clough will be taking options up on Marcus Harness, who was named Most Improved Young Player at the annual awards, midfielder Matty Palmer and central defender Tom Flanagan.
But he will not be taking up options on striker Timmy Thiele and youngsters Sam Austin and Mark Shelton.
Shane Cansdell-Sherriff, Robbie Weir and Mark Duffy, who was on loan from Birmingham, will be leaving the club.
Clough said: “All three players have played a major part in this season’s promotion and Shane and Robbie were also part of the League Two championship-winning side so we thank them for their service to the club and wish them well.”
Goalkeeper Dean Lyness is being released.
George Taft and Kelvin Maynard, who have both been long term injured, will be offered the chance to join pre-season training and regain their match fitness.
Clough is hoping to offer terms to goalkeeper Stephen Bywater, whilst defender Darius Charles has yet to return from his loan at Wimbledon – who are involved in the League Two play-offs.
Already under contract for next season are skipper John Mousinho, goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin, midfielders Tom Naylor, Calum Butcher and Callum Reilly, defenders Phil Edwards and Anthony O‘Connor and striker Stuart Beavon.
Loanees Mason Bennett, Tyler Walker and Hamza Choudhury will return to their parent clubs.
Offered New Contracts:
Lucas Akins
Damien McCrory
Sam Hornby
Released:
Robbie Weir
Shane Cansdell-Sherriff
Timmy Thiele
Dean Lyness
Mark Shelton
Sam Austin
Loan players returning to parent clubs:
Mark Duffy
Mason Bennett
Tyler Walker
Hamza Choudhury