Hartlepool United release three players - and put another SIX on the transfer list

New manager Matthew Bates is making sweeping changes to the Pools squad alongside director of football Craig Hignett ahead of the new season.

Pools have released trio Blair Adams, Luke George and Rhys Oates after their contracts expired, and have put Jake Cassidy, Ryan Donaldson, Scott Harrison, Louis Laing, Jack Munns and Conor Newton on the transfer list.

They have taken up the option on the contracts of Lewis Hawkins and Michael Woods, and offered new deals to Liam Donnelly, Nicky Featherstone and Devante Rodney.

Should they sign, they will join Ryan Catterick, Aaron Cunningham, Josh Hawkes, Scott Loach, Carl Magnay and Kenton Richardson, who are all under contract for another year, in the squad for next season.

A statement on the Pools website said: "The club would like to thank Blair, Luke and Rhys for all their efforts during their time at Victoria Park and wish them every success in the future."

Adams and George were brought in last summer by former boss Craig Harrison, while forward Oates has been at the club since 2015. Two of the three released were signed by the former manager, while five of the six made available for transfer were also Harrison additions.

Full Pools retained list

Under contract for 2018/19:

Ryan Catterick, Aaron Cunningham, Josh Hawkes, Scott Loach, Carl Magnay, Kenton Richardson

One-year option taken up: Lewis Hawkins, Michael Woods

Made available for transfer: Jake Cassidy, Ryan Donaldson, Scott Harrison, Louis Laing, Jack Munns, Conor Newton

New deals offered: Liam Donnelly, Nicky Featherstone, Devante Rodney

Released: Blair Adams, Luke George, Rhys Oates