Thursday 5 May 2016 12:05, UK
Eight Dundee United players who are out of contract this summer have been told they will not be offered new deals.
Sky sources also understand that players who remain under contract have been told they are free to find other clubs, apart from midfielders Blair Spittal and Scott Fraser, striker Simon Murray and goalkeeper Luis Maria Zwick.
United chairman Stephen Thompson met with the players at the club's St Andrews training base on Wednesday following the departure of head coach Mixu Paatelainen after six traumatic months culminated in relegation at Dens Park on Monday.
A club statement read: "Following the club's relegation chairman Stephen Thompson met with the entire first team squad, taking the first steps towards next season and life in the Championship.
"The under noted out of contract players will not be offered new contracts. Edward Ofere, Callum Morris, Guy Demel, Ryan Dow, John Rankin, Euan Spark, Joe McGovern and Florent Sinama Pongolle will leave the club at the end of the season.
"I have had to explain the harsh realities of relegation to the squad. I spoke to them about cost cutting measures. It was not a pleasant thing to have to do, but it was better to do it face to face with them. John Rankin was there in his SPFA capacity and was very good about things. He was a great help."
United play in Inverness on Friday where first-team coach Gordon Young will take charge of team affairs for the evening match.
Raith Rovers manager Ray McKinnon is the early front-runner to replace Paatelainen.
