Express & Star

Released and Retained: Darrell Clarke wields the axe at Walsall

New boss Darrell Clarke has wielded the axe at Walsall with only three out-of-contract players offered new deals.

Published

The Saddlers have 19 players on the books whose deals expire next month.

But only Nicky Devlin and Liam Kinsella have been offered new deals with the pair having both been given the chance to extend their stay at the Banks's Stadium by a further two years.

The club has also exercised its option to keep youngster Callum Cockerill-Mollett for another year.

It means a whole host of players have been let go by Clarke who have featured heavily for the Saddlers in recent years.

Chris Dunn, Jon Guthrie, Luke Leahy, Joe Edwards, Isaiah Osbourne, Zeli Ismail and Kieron Morris have all played their last game for club.

Youngsters Jordon Sangha, Tobias Hayles-Docherty, Cameron Peters and Omar Mussa have also been given free transfers.

Long-serving captain Adam Chambers remains in discussions with the club about his future both on and off the field.

While, youngsters Joe Slinn, Dan Vann and Dylan Parker have not been offered new deals but have been invited back to take part in pre-season training.

Second-year apprentices Tom Leak and Luke Little have been offered short-term professional deals.

Meanwhile, Maz Kouhyar, who ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in April, will continue his rehabilitation with the club throughout the summer.

A statement from Walsall said: “We would like to thank all outgoing players for their efforts during their time with the Saddlers and wish them well for the future.”