Following their 10th place finish in League Two, Plymouth Argyle manager John Sheridan has offered new deals to a number of players-including the long serving Paul Wotton- but has released seven players.
Paul Wotton, who recently made his 491st appearance for the Pilgrims- putting him level with Sammy Black in joint second place in the club's all-time appearance list, is one of six players offered fresh terms along with Andres Gurrieri, Curtis Nelson, Matt Lecointe, Durrell Berry and Nathan Thomas.
Amongst those seven released are several players who have served the Pilgrims well during what have been some very dark times in recent seasons, including Jake Cole, Maxime Blanchard and Luke Young.
Goalkeeper Cole was brought to Home Park by Peter Reid at the start of the 2011-12 season-whilst the Pilgrims were still in Administration- and produced some memorable displays in the Pilgrims' goal, including a penalty save against Rochdale last season.
However, the return to Argyle of Luke McCormick meant that Cole was often playing second fiddle, and prior to McCormick's finger injury in the latter part of the campaign was only used in cup matches by Sheridan.
French defender Blanchard was a number of players drafted in by Carl Fletcher after the Pilgrims had exited Administration. He played a key role in helping Argyle stave off relegation, and was recognised for his efforts by the Green Army as he won the club's Player of the Year award for the 2011-12 season.
Despite making 108 first team appearances by the age of 21, midfielder Young finds himself also heading for pastures new after being released by Sheridan.
Although Young was a goal scoring threat from free-kicks and Sheridan, himself a highly gifted midfield player, recognised his ability, he still couldn't hold a regular first team spot alongside the likes of skipper Conor Hourihane and Dominic Blizzard.
Speaking after the Pilgrims' 2-0 defeat against Oxford, Sheridan said: “He’s the only one who can pass it; even if Youngy is having a bad game, he might play that killer pass.”
However, one option open to Young now could be a move to Devon neighbours Torquay United as they look to bounce back into the Football League following their recent relegation.
The Gulls have lacked a creative spark in midfield since the departure of Eunan O'Kane to AFC Bournemouth for £175,000 in July 2012, and Young could be a player who could potentially fill that void.
Also let go by the Pilgrims were defender Neal Trotman, Benin international Rommy Boco, Matt Parsons and Isaac Vassell.
