Walsall announce release & retained list
Walsall have published their released and retained list as Jon Whitney ramps up his preparations for next season.
The Saddlers boss held meetings with his players on Tuesday and Wednesday to make clear his plans for the 2017/18 campaign.
Franck Moussa, Isaiah Osbourne and goalkeeper Craig MacGillivray have all been given free transfers as well as youngster Theo Vassell.
Fresh contract offers have been made a number of players whose contracts expire at the end of the next month.
Despite widely being expected to leave the Saddlers, Neil Etheridge has been offered a new three-year deal.
Defender Matt Preston has been offered a two-year contract while promising goalkeeper Liam Roberts has been offered an extra year with one-year option.
Skipper Adam Chambers also has a year option on his existing deal.
Speaking on the contracts offered to players, boss Whitney said.
“Neil has been excellent for us. We offered him a contract extension earlier this season and whilst we understand he is assessing his options, we have made him a further contract offer in a bid to retain his services.
“Matty Preston has continued to improve and has worked hard behind the scenes to establish himself as a member of the first-team squad.
“Liam has enjoyed a prosperous loan spell at Chester and we hope to continue developing him as a goalkeeper.”
On the players released Whitney said: “Although Craig gave a good account of himself in the final five games, I had to be honest with him and tell him that I didn’t see him as my number one at this stage.
"At this stage of his career Craig needs to be playing regularly. We couldn’t guarantee him that.
“We sat down and had an open and honest conversation and we feel comfortable with the decision made.
“Unfortunately for Franck, things haven’t worked out quite as we hoped this season. We thank him for his contribution and wish him all the best.
“We had a one-year optional extension on Isaiah’s contract that we won’t be exercising. Having sat down with him we feel it is in everybody’s best interests to part ways.
"Theo spent the season on loan at Chester and that experience will stand him in good stead in the future."
Walsall also confirmed contracts have been offered to scholars Tobias Hayles-Docherty, Cameron Peters, Will Shorrock and Sam Tonks.
Youngster Rory Oliver has also been offered an extended six-month deal as he continues his rehabilitation from injury.
Negotiations with fellow young midfielder Milan Butterfield remain ongoing.
