UPDATE: 4.35pm: Newport County release the following information about player releases. Confirming that 13 players have been told they aren't wanted for next season.
The club have offered new deals to Darren Jones, Andrew Hughes and Ryan Jackson.
Retained – professionals:
Joe Day
Mark Byrne
Kevin Feely
Yan Klukowski
Aaron Collins
Retained – second year scholars (first year professionals):
Tom Owen-Evans
Kieran Parselle
Extension offered:
Darren Jones
Ryan Jackson
Andrew Hughes
Released – professionals:
Shaun Jeffers
Lee Minshull
Aaron O’Connor
Joe Parker
Lenny Pidgeley
Max Porter
Andrew Sandell
Jamie Stephens
Robbie Willmott
Ismail Yakubu
Mike Flynn
Kyle Patten
Adam Chapman
Boss Terry Butcher explained his decisions:
"It may seem like it's the end of an era, and I certainly sympathise with the players and fans" said Butcher. "A lot of the players that I've let go have been terrific servants for Newport County AFC, and I want to pay tribute to what they've achieved. I said that to them when I spoke to them.
Butcher says that releasing players is one of the toughest jobs a manager has. "It's always a really, really tough day when you say goodbye to good club servants" admits Butcher, "but their place in Newport County AFC history is well cemented now, that will stay and never ever change.
"It's been a difficult day and a difficult time, that's why I came back early. The players have been very good about it, very professional and very honest. We wish them every success in whatever club they go to. Every player can leave here with their head held high, and the message we'll be getting across to the players coming in, is that they've got big boots to fill."
But the former Inverness boss says he has to look to the future "We all have to move on, I've got ideas on the squad and what I want to do with it. We all know the budget is less than last season and I've got to make alterations to the squad. I've not got as much to play with this time.
"We've looked at the squad, we've looked at what we want to do and who we want to bring in. I can't name any names yet, but we want to change the dynamics of this squad as well. It's a time for change, a time for new ideas and new thoughts."
The new County manager is already getting excited about the players arriving for the start of pre-season. "The first day of pre-season is going to be an exciting one. I'm really looking forward to it already. The players will be looking around the dressing room thinking 'who's he', 'what's he done', 'what position does he play'.
"They'll be busting a gut from the off to get in the team which is brilliant."
Butcher also spoke about the players already contracted for the coming season, and says he feels he's already got a good quality of player on board. "We've got the start of the spine of the team here already, what we've got to do is bring players in around that. It's about getting the spine right, and making sure it's as strong as it can be."
The County boss is also hopeful that the trio of professionals offered deals to stay at Rodney Parade accept the terms on offer. "Darren Jones has been a big player for the club, Ryan Jackson is an exciting player and Andrew Hughes coming back from injury could be like a new signing to us" said Butcher.
"They've all been offered deals and we're in the process of discussing those with them."
UPDATE: 2.20pm: Andy Sandell tells Argus Sport he's the latest who can be added to the list of departures. And toast his departure.
Good luck Newport n thanx for having me!!bin a pleasure 😘❤️ pic.twitter.com/Nkgan1GHNN
— Andy Sandell (@AndySandell) May 12, 2015
@argusoncounty @WillmottRobbie @pidge40 @LeeMinshull8 add me to the list!!
— Andy Sandell (@AndySandell) May 12, 2015
UPDATE: 2.10pm: Aaron O'Connor takes to Twitter to confirm he's departing Rodney Parade.
Wanna thank everyone at @NewportCounty for an amazing few years. The memories are endless & I wish all associated,fans etc the best of luck🙌
— Aaron O'Connor (@OCizzle) May 12, 2015
UPDATE: 1.35pm: Robbie Willmott become latest player to reveal he has not been offered a new deal at Newport County.
@argusoncounty would like to thank everyone at newport for their support unfortunately wasn't offered a new deal time for a new chapter ⚽️
— Robbie Willmott (@WillmottRobbie) May 12, 2015
NEW manager Terry Butcher has not wasted any time in his first day in the job at Newport County AFC, already telling two of the club's promotion heroes that they can leave Rodney Parade.
Butcher has so far informed goalkeeper Lenny Pidgeley and midfielder Lee Minshull that they need to start looking for new employers.
Both are out of contract at County at the end of June and neither will be offered a new deal.
Pidgeley and Minshull were key players in the team that won the Conference play-off final and promotion to the Football League in May 2013.
Pidgeley spent the latter part of last season on loan at Mansfield Town and his departure is not a shock but the decision on Minshull is more unexpected.
Both players have posted the news on Twitter this morning, Minshull writing: "It's official, I'm a free agent. It's been an incredible journey that's sadly come to an end, looking forward to a new chapter!"
And Pidgeley wrote: "Just had a call from Terry Butcher won't be getting another contract at Newport."
And added: "I loved my time there. Being captain for a few games and of course Wembley will be things I'll never forget."
More to follow...
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