Lincoln City manager, Steve Tilson, has announced his retained list for next season as the club adapts to life in the Blue Square Premier – and there are just three names on it!
It marks a clear signal of intent by Tilson as he begins to shape his squad for next year’s campaign in the non-league wilderness, with a number of first team regulars being shown the door.
Only Danny Hone, Luke Howell and young striker, Andy Hutchison, have been offered new contracts in a bid to try and keep them at the club.
In contrast, a number of players will not have their contracts renewed with the Imps after their current deals expired at the end of City’s relegation campaign.
Joe Anderson, Drewe Broughton, Jamie Clapham, Delroy Facey, Paul Green, Cian Hughton, Patrick Kanyuka, Clark Keltie and Scott Spencer must all find new clubs as a result of their failure to earn an extended stay in Lincolnshire.
Furthermore, the contracted trio of Joe Anyon, Josh O’Keefe and Adam Watts have all been handed free transfers by the City boss, meaning that any potential suitors can make a move for their services without Lincoln being able to command a fee.
And if that wasn’t enough, Mustapha Carayol, Gavin McCallum and January signing, Ali Fuseini, have all been placed on the transfer list.
Steve Tilson will now turn his attentions towards attracting new players to Sincil Bank, as he aims to build a side capable of competing at the summit of the Blue Square Premier.
The mass exodus comes as a result of the club being forced to cut costs following their final day relegation from the Football League on Saturday.
The Imps are expected to suffer badly from their recent demotion, due to a series of financial set-backs that come with relegation to the non-league.
City will have to do without competing in the League Cup and Johnstone Paint’s Trophy, as well as having to qualify for the first round of the FA Cup.
Such a change means that the Imps will miss out on the additional revenue generated by good cup runs and high profile games.