Latics release midfield duo

Skoko and Olembe must find new clubs

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 15th May 2008

skoko josip

Skoko: Good pro

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Josip Skoko and Salomen Olembe have been told that they will not be offered new deals at Wigan.

Australian international Skoko joined the Latics from Turkish side Genclerbirligi in the summer of 2005, and made 53 appearances during his time at the JJB.

Wigan boss Steve Bruce admits that it was a difficult decision to let the midfielder go, and has offered him the opportunity to train with the club over the summer should he fail to find a new side in the immediate future.

"It's always sad saying goodbye to good pros," he told the club's official website.

"Josip is a quality player who has never given me one bit of trouble, he has always given me everything when selected and we wish him all the best."

No complaints

Skoko's fellow midfielder, Cameroonian Olembe has struggled to make an impact in the Latics' first-team fold after signing last year and was restricted to just nine appearances during the 2007/08 campaign.

"Again I have no complaints about Salomon, who has trained professionally and given me everything when called upon," Bruce added.

The exodus at the JJB Stadium has also seen young professionals Peter Moore and Russell Sanders shown the door after the expiry of their short-term contracts. Neither player made a senior appearance for the club.