Seven leave Deva Stadium as Chester wield the axe

May 10 2008 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

CHESTER CITY last night released seven of their out-of-contract players, agreed terms with three of their promising youngsters and are awaiting decisions from two other players.

Goalkeeper Phil Palethorpe, defenders Simon Marples and Sean Hessey, midfielders Dean Bennett, Tony Grant and Adam Walker, along with striker Simon Yeo have all been released, while defender Kevin Sandwith and striker Chris Holroyd are considering offers.

Palethorpe joined City two seasons ago from Tranmere Rovers, but he has failed to dislodge regular keeper John Danby from the number one spot and he will now look for another club.

Hessey, Bennett and Yeo all finished the season on loan with other clubs and their release doesn’t come as any surprise. Simon Marples and former Everton midfielder Tony Grant haven’t figured regularly this season and they won’t be offered new deals.

Following the individual meetings with the players, City manager Simon Davies reflected: “This is never a nice time of the year, when you have to tell players that they don’t fit into your future plans.

“I would like to thank all the players who have been released for their efforts whilst they were with the club and of course send them my best wishes for the rest of their careers.”

Young players Paul McManus, Shaun Kelly and Paul Rutherford have all agreed new terms and they will officially sign new contracts in the next few weeks.

Defender Kevin Sandwith and striker Chris Holroyd have been offered new terms by the club. Both players are considering the offers.

Davies confirmed that he will meet last season’s player of the year Paul Linwood early next week.

The City manager is anxious to agree a new deal with Linwood which will keep the player at the Deva Stadium.

Meanwhile, Chester have arranged two pre-season friendlies at AFC Telford United and Southport in July.