MANSFIELD Town announced their retained list on Friday afternoon a week after completing their first season back in the Football League, when they finished 11th in League Two.

Ten players have been released by manager Paul Cox, six who were out of contract have been offered new deals and three more have had clauses triggered in their contracts to be retained for another season.

As expected, the majority of last season’s defence and midfield has been retained as Cox looks to free up room in his squad, which will be reduced next season, to bring in new attacking players. Two youngsters who made their debuts at the end of last season, Liam Marsden and Jack Thomas, have been offered new deals.

The players who have been released are: Paul Black, Ian Deakin, Ross Dyer, Ben Hutchinson, James Jennings, Keiran Murtagh, George Pilkingon, Godfrey Poku, Jake Speight and Lee Stevenson.

Jennings and Deakin tweeted their thanks to supporters earlier on Friday.

The players who have been offered new contracts are: Colin Daniel, Anthony Howell, Alan Marriott, Liam Marsden, Lindon Meikle and Jack Thomas.

Already under contract for next season were: Lee Beevers, Sam Clucas, John Dempster, Jamie McGuire, Adam Murray, Ollie Palmer, Martin Riley and Ryan Tafazolli.

Clauses have been activated in the contracts of Chris Clements, Ritchie Sutton and Matt Rhead to keep them at the One Call Stadium.

Louis Briscoe, who is out of the country, will speak to the management staff early next week.

Lewis Price and Darryl Westlake have returned to their parent clubs Crystal Palace and Sheffield United, respectively, following their loan spells with the Stags last season.

In a statement on its official website www.mansfieldtown.net the club said it would like to thank the players that have been released and wish them well for the future.