GRIMSBY Town's boss has no doubts that the eight players he released on Friday will find new clubs for next season.
The Mariners began their preparations for the 2014/15 campaign by allowing Andy Cook, Scott Kerr, Clayton McDonald, Sam Hatton, Jonathan Hedge, Joe Colbeck, Dayle Southwell and Jamal Fyfield to leave.
However, Paul Hurst was quick to praise the departing players, and back them to earn deals at other clubs.
He said: "All of the players have left on good terms – it's not the nice part of the job for me but, looking at the list of released players, I'm sure they will all find clubs.
"I don't expect it to be a major issue for any of those eight players.
"I know that at this moment in time it's uncertain for them, but I would expect every one of them to find clubs relatively smoothly."
After explaining the reasons for Cook and Kerr's departures in Saturday's Telegraph, Hurst outlined the thinking behind the remaining six exits.
Clayton McDonald…
" I told Clayton that I couldn't guarantee him a starting place next season, and I think that to get the best out of him he needs to be playing week-in, week-out. I'm certain someone will look at him, take him and get a very good defender."
Joe Colbeck…
" You build relationships with players, which makes it even harder to let them go. Joe's been with us for a couple of seasons and I defy any manager to sit there and enjoy telling players like him that they will be moving on. It's not easy, but he's one of the lads who has had limited opportunities this season, and it was just time for a change."
Dayle Southwell…
" There was the temptation to give Dayle one more year to force his way in. On the training ground he's always done very well and, as I told him, he's one of the few who hasn't quite had the opportunity to impress when it matters in the first-team games. His chances have been very limited because of where we are striving to be and where we are in the league. Were we at a different club – a mid-table club – he would have undoubtedly had more chances. For Dayle's sake, it's not the worst that can happen to him – although it's obviously not nice at the moment. He needs to go out and play, and hopefully he can still have a long and successful career."
Jonathan Hedge…
" With Jonathan, he needs to be playing football. There is a little bit of uncertainty with James (McKeown), but I think Jonathan needs to go and play elsewhere."
Sam Hatton…
" Mutually, it's the right decision for Sam. He would like to be nearer home, so that was part of the thinking there. I'm sure he will have bids for him nearer his home in the south."
Jamal Fyfield…
" We speak about competition, and without a doubt Jamal pushed Aswad Thomas at times. Those two were good friends on a personal level, although also competitors. He had some opportunities and at times I thought he did very well, but he would have certainly liked more chances to show me what he can do. He'll be an asset to someone – he's left-footed, can play a few positions, and is a good size, so there will be definitely be interest there."
