’Well start rebuilding work
Motherwell will next week release six players following the conclusion to the 2016/17 season but are in talks with several others.
On-loan duo, goalkeeper Connor Ripley and midfielder Morgaro Gomis, have returned to Middlesbrough and Hearts, respectively, while Wes Fletcher, David Clarkson, Jack Leitch and Brett Long have been released.
Clarkson has already signed for Championship side St Mirren where he was on loan last season.
The Fir Park club are in talks with first-team stars Stevie Hammell, Stephen Mcmanus, Craig Samson, Keith Lasley, Craig Moore, James Mcfadden, David Ferguson, Ben Hall and Scott Mcdonald with regards to extending their deals. Under-20 players Dylan Mackin, Robbie Leith, Jack Mcmillan, Ross Maclean and Ryan Watters are in the same boat .
Motherwell boss Mark Mcghee said he hopes to keep the bulk of his players during the negotiations as he plans for next season.
He said:“we’re talking to the lads and their representatives at the moment. I’ve gone on record as saying I would like to retain the nucleus of the squad, then add some fresh faces in the key positions where we feel we are a little light.
“We obviously need to know what the lads who are already at the club intend on doing so we can plan accordingly, and we hope that will become clearer in the next week or so.
“To the lads who are leaving, some of whom have been at Fir Park for quite some time, I want to sincerely thank them all for their contributions and wish them every success.”