Free transfer lists released by Town rivals
WITH Championship football secured for next season, a pivotal summer lies ahead for Huddersfield Town.
Can prospective owner Kevin M. Nagle usher in a bright, exciting new era after a hugely disappointing campaign?
American businessman Nagle, who attended Town’s final Championship match of the 2022/23 season against Reading, says he is close to completing a deal to buy the club from Dean Hoyle. His proposed takeover is currently awaiting approval from the relevant authorities.
Appointing a new manager to replace Neil Warnock will be high on Nagle’s agenda as soon as his buyout is given the green light.
Warnock masterminded Town’s great escape, overseeing seven wins from his 15 matches in charge to steer the club to safety.
New players will be required when the transfer window reopens in June.
It is imperative the Terriers upgrade their starting XI to give themselves the best possible chance of staying clear of trouble next season.
A handful of clubs have already confirmed their retained list ahead of the opening of the transfer market.
A number of players have been made available on free transfers while others have returned to their parent clubs.
Here is a list of the Championship clubs who have released their retained lists so far:
■■CHAMPIONSHIP ■■BLACKPOOL
Released: Liam Bridcutt, Luke Garbutt, Harvey Hughes, Beryly Lubala, Gary Madine, Chris Maxwell, Kevin Stewart, Joe Strawn, Keshi Anderson, Stuart Moore, Curtis Nelson, Jordan Thorniley
Returned to parent club: Josh Bowler, Lewis Fiorini, Charlie Goode, Charlie Patino, Ian Poveda, Morgan Rogers
Options exercised: Callum Connolly, Kenny Dougall, CJ Hamilton, James Husband, Shayne Lavery, Luke Mariette, Will Squires, Tayt Trusty, Matty Virtue
■■NORWICH CITY
Released: Sam Byram, Kieran
Dowell, Michael McGovern, Josh Martin, Danel Sinani, Teemu Pukki
■■PRESTON NORTH END
Released: Aaron Bennett, Dana Amaral, Harry Nevin, Lewis Coulton, Matthew Olosunde
Offered new contracts: Greg Cunningham, Josh Onomah, Robbie Brady, Daniel Johnson
■■QPR
Released: Luke Amos, Leon Balogun, Olamide Shodipo, Conor Masterson, Charlie Owens, Ody Alfa
Returned to parent club: Tyler Roberts, Ethan Laird, Tim Iroegbunam, Jamal Lowe
Offered new deal: Chris Martin, Jordan Archer, Elijah Dixon-Bonner, Aaron Drewe, Stephen DukeMcKenna
■■STOKE CITY
Released: Sam Clucas, Demeaco Duhaney, Aden Flint, Morgan Fox, Phil Jagielka, Tashan OakleyBoothe, Nick Powell
Returned to parent club: Will Smallbone, Dujon Sterling, Matija Sarkic, Bersant Celina, Ki-Jane
Hoever, Ben Pearson, Axel Tuanzebe
Offered new deal: Frank Fielding
■■READING
Released: Liam Moore, Lucas Joao, Scott Dann, Luke Southwood, Dejan Tetek, Shane
Long.
Returned to parent club: Jeff Hendrick, Mamadou Loum, Joe Lumley, Baba Rahman, Tyrese Fornah and Cesare Casadei
In talks over new deal: Yakou Meite, Amadou Mbengue and
Junior Hoilett are all set to be out of contract
■■ROTHERHAM UNITED
Released: Wes Harding, Robbie Hemfrey, Mackenzie Warne, Richard Wood.
Returned to parent club: Conor Coventry, Tariqe Fosu,
Domingos Quina, Leo Hjelde, Bailey Wright, Grant Hall.
Options exercised: Ben Wiles, Shane Ferguson In talks over new deal: Tyler Blackett, Sean Morrison, Chiedozie Ogbene, Lee Peltier, Josh Vickers.