Doncaster Rovers goalkeeper Gary Woods is one of five players to be released by the manager-less club
League One champions Doncaster Rovers have confirmed that five players have not had their contracts renewed.
Goalkeeper Gary Woods, who missed the title winning run in towards the end of the season, heads the departures list. The 22-year-old had been heavily criticised by supporters throughout the season after making simple errors that had cost the South Yorkshire side valuable goals.
The former Manchester United trainee only kept 16 clean sheets in 42 appearances for the Rovers this season, after he established himself in the first team squad the previous season, after number one ‘keeper Neil Sullivan as well as loanees Carl Ikeme and Chris Kirkland all suffered injuries, whilst David Button went on to have a further loan spell at local rivals Barnsley.
Midfielder Martin Woods, who has seen his Rovers career hampered by injury, also leaves Rovers after six-years at the Keepmoat Stadium.
Lee Fowler, who signed from Fleetwood Town in January the day before Dean Saunders left for Wolverhampton Wanderers, has also left the club. His time in South Yorkshire was rather unsuccessful and he nevr fitted into the title winning side that Brian Flynn and Saunders built.
Fowler was sent out on loan twice during his short stay at Rovers. The 29-year-old initially joined Forest Green Rovers in February before later going out on loan to League Two side Burton Albion, but on both occasions he failed to impress the supporters.
Youth players, who were last year awarded their first professional deals, Jordan Ball and Patrick Mullen have also been released from the club.
Meanwhile Rovers have offered nine out-of-contract players new deals. 43-year-old shot stopper – Sullivan, who spent some time last season on loan at League Two side AFC Wimbledon – has signed a further deal with the club, which will see him continue to play in the first team as well as adopt a coaching role with the club.
Fellow goalkeeper Jon Maxted has also been offered an extension with the club.
Defenders Tommy Spurr, Paul Quinn, Liam Wakefield and Andy Grffin have also been offered new deals as have midfielders Kyle Bennett and Paul Keegan.
Doncaster-born striker Chris Brown who was influential during Rovers’ promotion push has also been offered a new deal with the club.
Rovers, who are expected to name Brian Flynn’s successor as manager next week, still have a host of other players under contract at the Keepmoat Stadium.
Captain Rob Jones signed a contract extension with the club last month, whilst James Coppinger, James Husband, Dave Syers all have a year left on their contracts with the club.
Last summer’s signings Billy Paynter and David Cotterill also have deals with the club that last until 2014.
It still remains unclear about the future of former Reading midfielder James Harper, who signed a one-year deal with the club last summer, after his name was not placed on the retained or released list.
Words: Adam Grice
Photo: doncasterroversbelles.co.uk
The Sporting Section 