Shamrock Rovers manager Pat Scully has wasted no time in wielding the axe at the Dublin club, releasing no less than 11 players.
David Cassidy, Robbie Clarke, Jamie Duffy, Dave McGill, John McGuinness, Andy Myler, Dave O'Connor, Derek Pender, Alan Reynolds, Ian Ryan and Paul Shiels have all been let go.
Dean Lawrence and Ciaran Kilduff will remain on the club's books but will be sent out on loan next season.
'This was a very difficult decision to make,' says Hoops' boss Scully. 'These players made a huge contribution to the revival of Shamrock Rovers.
'We've come up from the First Division and finished fifth in the
Premier, and now we have to move on to the next level and compete at the very top.
'We also have to work to a tight budget, and the harsh reality is that we have to let some players go in order to bring in new ones.
'I'd like to take this opportunity to thank them all for their dedication to Shamrock Rovers. They are fine professionals and we wish them every success in the future.'
