First team head coach Chris Beech has started the process of reshaping the squad for 20/21 season this afternoon.
He has completed his retained player list as he faces the extraordinary circumstances of the Coronavirus lockdown.
The following senior players are already under contract for 20/21 and will remain with the club:
Nick Anderton
Callum Guy
Aaron Hayden
Max Hunt
Jon Mellish*
Omari Patrick
*The club has exercised its option on the contract of Jon Mellish for 20/21.
The following development players have new or existing contracts for 20/21:
Jamie Armstrong
Charlie Barnes
Charlie Birch
Taylor Charters
Josh Dixon
Liam Lightfoot
Tom Wilson
The following out-of-contract player has been offered a new contract, at time of writing:
Lewis Alessandra
The following out-of-contract players will be offered new contracts in due course:
Jack Bridge
Gethin Jones
Byron Webster
The following players will be released when their current deals expire on 30 June 2020:
Adam Collin
Kelvin Etuhu
Louis Gray
Jack Iredale
Mike Jones
Keighran Kerr
Nathaniel Knight-Percival
Harry McKirdy
Mo Sagaf
Stefan Scougall
On the loan players, Chris Beech explained: “Had the season started up again we would have had Marcus Dewhurst, Josh Kayode and Elliot Watt available. Obviously the decision today means that is no longer required.
“Ryan Loft is with us until towards the end of this month anyway, so no action was required on that. Olufela Olomola is back with Scunthorpe, and we thank him and wish him the very best for his efforts as he returns to his parent club.
“I wanted to retain Nathan Thomas, but his contract at Sheffield United is up as of 30 June and, with the discussions we had with him, and with him being on a very good deal with them, we know that he’ll be looking to protect that as much as he can with his next move.
"We understand that and, once again, we thank him and wish him the very best.”
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Chief executive Nigel Clibbens said: “This is clearly a very uncertain time for football, as well as for every other part of our community.
“The normal end-of-season process for contracts has been thrown into confusion, which is unsettling for players and difficult for clubs and coaches. Discussions have taken place between the PFA and the EFL about extending the deadline for notifying players to late June to try help deal with this, but so much remains unclear.
“We are releasing our information now, even though every player remains furloughed - but under contract - until 30 June."
“We considered waiting, but held early discussions with the players and quickly decided it was right to give the playing squad clarity about their future at the club at the earliest possible opportunity,” he continued. “We simply want everyone to have as much time as possible to plan for their future. It is in our control to act early and that’s the right thing to do. There is enough uncertainty without creating more.
“Making new contract offers in times like these is not ideal, but the club is committed to supporting Chris Beech as he looks to reshape his squad, starting with offers made to some existing players.
“We would like to place on record our thanks and gratitude to each player who will be leaving Carlisle United this summer for their service and contribution to the club.
“Special thanks go to Adam Collin, Kelvin Etuhu and Mike Jones. All three have been excellent servants for our club over a long period, and it's been a pleasure for us all to work with them. Adam, as our captain, is ending his second spell with us and has played every minute of every League Two game for 76 games in a row since his return.
“We wish all of the players who are moving on the very best and look forward to seeing them again in the future.”
We’ll have more reaction from David Holdsworth and Chris Beech on the official website later today and over the weekend.
