Wolves have released homegrown players Lewis Gobern, Alex Melbourne and Matt Bailey as boss Mick McCarthy continued his mini-clear out.

The club have already told transfer-listed duo Darren Potter, Darren Ward and Jason Shackell they are surplus to requirements.

But chief executive Jez Moxey has confirmed contract talks are continuing with club skipper Jody Craddock.

Winger Gobern, 24, came through the Wolves academy with much promise and – after loan spells with Hartlepool, Blackpool and Bury – enjoyed a breakthrough at Molineux after McCarthy’s arrival as manager.

In the early stages of that 2006-07 season he made 12 appearances and scored two goals, but his last outing before a succession of injury problems came against Leicester in December 2006, by which time Michael Kightly had arrived on loan.

Knee and hamstring injuries continued to prevent Gobern making a Wolves comeback and he finished this season on loan at League One side Colchester, making 12 appearances.

Melbourne, 19, and Bailey, 20, are both utility players who can operate in defence and midfield, playing regularly for Wolves’ development (reserve) team without having made the breakthrough.

Moxey said: “It’s unfortunate that the injury problems Lewis has suffered means he probably hasn’t been able to fulfil his undoubted potential here.

“We all saw glimpses of what he could do but sadly not for any sustained period of time.

“We’d like to thank Lewis, Alex and Matt for all their efforts and wish them well for the future.”

Perton-based Melbourne, who has played right-back and right midfield, spent time on loan at Blue Square North champions Tamworth this season, while Bailey had a similar spell at Blue Square premier division champions Burton Albion.

Craddock’s deal also expires at the end of this season but talks are ongoing to his future at Molineux.

The 33-year-old defender is the club’s longest serving player having arrived in summer 2003 for £1.75million.