Ten leave Pilgrims in Lowe’s squad cull

TEN out-of-contract players have been released by Plymouth Argyle manager Ryan Lowe as he begins his summer overhaul of the squad at Home Park.

Former Bury pair Will Aimson and Byron Moore are among those who will be leaving, as well as midfield duo Lewis Macleod and Ben Reeves and 20-year-old striker Klaidi Lolos.

New deals have been offered to five other members of the Pilgrims’ squad, including skipper and player-of-the-year Joe Edwards, plus Conor Grant and Danny Mayor.

Academy graduates Ryan Law and Ollie Tomlinson also have new contracts on the table.

As confirmed last week, club captain Gary Sawyer has retired while 37-year-old goalkeeper Luke McCormick has been offered ‘an alternative role’ to remain at the club.

Argyle’s retained list was announced at midday yesterday and read as follows:

Under contract: Panutche Camara, George Cooper, Mike Cooper, Niall Ennis, Ryan Hardie, Luke Jephcott, Brandon Pursall, Adam Randell.

Out-of-contract, offered new contract: Joe Edwards, Conor Grant, Ryan Law, Danny Mayor, Ollie Tomlinson.

Out-of-contract, offered alternative role: Luke McCormick.

Out-of-contract, released: Will Aimson, Jarvis Cleal, Klaidi Lolos, Lewis Macleod, Byron Moore, Frank Nouble, Ben Reeves, Jack Ruddy, Rubin Wilson, Scott Wootton.

Out-of-contract, retired: Gary Sawyer. Loans expired: Tyrese Fornah, Adam Lewis, Jerome Opoku, Kell Watts, Sam Woods.

Scholarships extended: Finley Craske, Rhys Shirley, Alfie Wotton.

With Covid-19 hindering development of players at academy level, the club have taken up the option to extend scholarships of three prospects - Finley Craske, Rhys Shirley and Alfie Wotton - for another year.

This option had already been exercised for Ethan Mitchell, whose late addition to the academy meant that his scholarship will also run for one more season.