EFL side releases 16 players less than 24 hours after final game of season
EFL side Gillingham released a staggering 16 players less than 24 hours after their final game of the season.
The Kent club, which finished 17th in the fourth tier for the second consecutive campaign, wasted no time in reshaping their squad following the final whistle at Priestfield.
Manager Gareth Ainsworth, facing his former side Shrewsbury, had foreshadowed the swift clear-out before kick-off.
He said: "You'll find out tomorrow [Sunday] morning that there's some players in that team [against Shrewsbury] that are not here next year."
Ainsworth continued: "That's a testament to them as well. That's hard to manage but we got the win."
Among the most significant departures is veteran goalkeeper Glenn Morris, who at 42 played the full 90 minutes in his final appearance for the club.
The Gills paid tribute to him on Friday, stating: "After 135 appearances across two spells, and two 'Player of the Year' awards, we can confirm that @GlennMorris83 will be leaving the club at the end of the season.
"A wonderful pro who has served our club with complete professionalism and dedication."
Striker Sam Vokes, previously of Burnley, Wolves and Leeds, has hung up his boots aged 36.
The forward received a standing ovation when substituted after 74 minutes.
Five players who featured in Saturday's victory over Shrewsbury have already left the club.
Defenders Max Clark and Conor Masterson both completed the full match before learning of their release, alongside Glenn Morris.
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Jake Turner, an unused substitute against Shrewsbury, departs on a free transfer, whilst loanee Travis Akomeah heads back to parent club Watford.
The remaining nine players shown the exit door are Josh Andrews, Harry Bridle, Lenni Cirino, Elliott Nevitt, Shadrach Ogie, Aaron Rowe, Stanley Skipper, Euan Williams and Marcus Wyle.
Supporters reacted to the swift announcement on social media, with one fan describing the clearout as "pretty brutal" whilst another praised the club's decisiveness.
The club did move to secure the futures of four players by triggering contract extension options.
Bradley Dack, Garath McCleary, Damien Theodore and Armani Little will all remain at Priestfield for the upcoming campaign.
Additionally, three academy products have been rewarded for their development with offers of professional terms.
With these decisions finalised, Gillingham currently have 15 players under contract heading into the summer, providing Ainsworth with a foundation to build upon.
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