Express & Star

Walsall release eight first-team players in squad overhaul

Walsall have released eight first team players as they announced their release and retained list.

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After a season to forget for the Saddlers, in which they finished 19th in League Two, it was expected they will oversee a revamp of the playing squad this summer.

Now, they have announced that skipper James Clarke will be released, alongside attackers Wes McDonald and Josh Gordon – three players that have impressed at certain stages of their Walsall career.

Joining them in being released by the club is Cameron Norman, Stuart Sinclair, Caolan Lavery, Callum Cockerill-Mollett and Jack Nolan.

Tyreik Wright, Max Melbourne and Derick Osei Yaw have also returned to their parent clubs after their loan spells.

Walsall do, however, have a core group of players under contract for next season.

Goalkeepers Jack Rose and Liam Roberts will remain with the club, alongside midfielders Liam Kinsella, Alfie Bates and Sam Perry.

Creative forces Rory Holden and Emmanuel Osadebe are also under contract for next season.

Contractual options have been taken up on youngsters Tom Leak and Joe Willis, meaning they too will stay with the club, while Mat Sadler will continue in his player/coach role.

Defenders Dan Scarr and Hayden White are both out of contract on June 30 but have been offered new deals.

Joining them in youngster Danny Coogan who, despite not yet making his senior debut, has been offered a short-term contract.