Zanzala released as squad slashed
ACCRINGTON Staley have released six more players including striker Ozzy Zanzala as the effects of the coronavirus pandemic continue to make their mark.
Zanzala scored eight goals in an injury hit season, taking him to 15 in all competitions since joining from Derby County, initially on loan, in January 2018.
Also released, as manager John Coleman trims down his squad are: Lewis Doyle, Lewis Gilboy, Alex O’Neill, Andrew Scott and Matty Williams.
Stanley had already released Dimi Evtimov, Phil Edwards, Zaine Francis-Angol, Wilson Carvalho and Erico De Sousa in an earlier round of contract decisions.
That brings the total of players released by the club to 11.
On their website Stanley said the Reds had the biggest squad they have ever had last season and Coleman now says next season will have to be different.
“We will be working with a much smaller squad,” said the Stanley boss.
On Zanzala leaving he added: “That has been a difficult decision,” said Coleman. “We could have kept Ozzy another season but he is getting to the crossroads of his career where he needs to be playing regular football and we respect that.
“Ozzy is a great lad.”
The Reds have made a new offer to winger Jordan Clark, who is now out of contract.
Captain Seamus Conneely has signed a new two-year deal while options have been taken on defenders Callum Johnson, Ben Barclay, Mark Hughes, Joe Maguire, Harvey Rodgers and Harry Perritt,
Those players reamining under under contract are: Sean McConville, Ross Sykes, Colby Bishop, Sam Finley, Joe Pritchard, Dion Charles, Lamine Sherif, Toby Savin, Reagan Ogle and Zehn Mohammed.
Niall Watson has also been offered a new deal.
The club said: “Everyone at Accrington Stanley wishes all those who are leaving all the best in their future careers.”