NEWPORT County AFC signalled the end of an era yesterday by releasing a whole host of players who helped them to Football League promotion.

On one of the most dramatic days at the club in recent memory following a sustained period of stability with playing personnel, new boss Terry Butcher lived up to his name by cutting several surprising names.

Indeed, the Butcher released a baker’s dozen, with 13 senior players announced to be departing Rodney Parade.

Only one, midfielder Adam Chapman, was offered terms for next season. But he declined talks with the Exiles and is now on the released list.

County are hopeful of convincing Darren Jones, Ryan Jackson and Andrew Hughes to remain on Parade, with all three players offered new deals that are as yet, unsigned.

Senior pros Kevin Feely, Joe Day, Yan Klukowski and Mark Byrne are already contracted for next term and have been joined by youth graduates Kieran Parselle, Tom Owen-Evans and Aaron Collins. Regan Poole remains at the club as a second year scholar, though he too has been offered professional terms.

However, for the rest of the first team squad, it proved to be a day of disappointment with Lenny Pidgeley, Jamie Stephens, Andy Sandell, Ismail Yakubu, Kyle Patten, Max Porter, Lee Minshull, Mike Flynn, Robbie Willmott, Shaun Jeffers, Aaron O’Connor and Joe Parker all told to find new clubs.

Pidgeley, Sandell, Yakubu, Porter, Minshull, Flynn, Willmott and O’Connor were all key components of Newport’s promotion winning squad and their departures signify the break-up of Justin Edinburgh’s charges as new man Butcher clears the decks to bring in his own players.

O’Connor was County’s top scorer last term, with the likes of Sandell, Minshull and Yakubu all playing in excess of 30 games this term, while duo Willmott and Porter appear to have paid the price for poor injury records.

Midfielder Lee Minshull, who is one of County’s longest serving players having arrived in January 2012, admitted his disappointment at the verdict.

“I can’t complain at all about the way it was handled, Terry Butcher was open and honest and he has got some tough decisions to make,” Minshull told Argus Sport, just moments after confirming his release on Twitter.

“I have been at the club for three-and-a-half years and I don’t want to leave, but that’s the nature of the industry we are in.

“If someone had told me when I was released by Wimbledon that I’d go on to play 150 games for Newport and half of them would be in the Football League, I’d definitely have taken that.

“I am very pleased with what I achieved at the club. I’m grateful for all the support I’ve had from the gaffer (ex-boss Justin Edinburgh), from Jimmy (Dack) and the supporters. It has been a great journey for me with plenty of support along the way.”

Minshull admits the uncertainty hasn’t been helpful.

“Speaking personally I’m glad to know what is what now and I can start making some phone calls and talking to people and see what we do next,” he said.

“If I am honest I’d have liked to know a little earlier and I’m sure some of the other players feel the same, but it is what it is.”

Several of the County players, including Minshull, opted to announce their releases on Twitter, prompting a day of interactions between supporters and players with many of the County squad expressing regret at leaving.

“Wanna thank everyone at Newport County for an amazing few years. The memories are endless & I wish all associated, fans etc the best of luck,” O’Connor tweeted.

“Just had a call from Terry Butcher won't be getting another contract at Newport can't believe it, didn't see that coming,” said goalkeeper Lenny Pidgeley, adding: “Thanks for the message peeps, I loved my time there. Being captain for a few games and of course Wembley will be things I'll never forget.”

“Would like to thank everyone at Newport for their support unfortunately wasn't offered a new deal time for a new chapter,” remarked Robbie Willmott.

“Sometimes things don't work out the way you expect. Big thank you to all the players, staff and fans for a great two years at NewportCounty,” wrote goalkeeper Jamie Stephens.

Former skipper Sandell commented: “Thanks for having me Newport, been a pleasure,” while home town hero Michael Flynn is still hopeful of staying at the club.

The Argus understands Flynn will have talks next week pertaining to his role with the County academy. If Flynn isn’t part of the playing squad, there is nothing to stop the club announcing him as their new academy director, a role he couldn’t take last term due to Football League regulations about active players.

Boss Butcher admitted that it was always likely to be the case that some people wouldn’t be supportive of his “tough,” decisions after fans reacted to the news with a mixed response on the Argus website and other forums.

"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 will 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,” he said.

“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' and '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."