Black Cats clear the decks

By Mark Kendall  

Black Cats clear the decks

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Sunderland have revealed that they will be releasing eight players when their contracts expire in June including Jason McAteer and Phil Babb.

Black Cats boss Mick McCarthy, still reeling from Monday's play-off defeat to Crystal Palace, is looking to completely rebuild his squad this summer - much of which he inherited when he took over as manager in March 2003.

The other players who will not be offered new deals are Joachim Bjorklund, Paul Thirlwell, Michael Reddy, Mark Rossiter, Simon Ramsden and Patrick Collins.

Sunderland chairman Bob Murray insisted the cull was necessary as the Wearsiders look to build a squad capable of challenging for automatic promotion to The Premiership next term.

"A number of players are out of contract," Murray told the club's official website.

"Mick has taken decisions and there will be more changes to come, so that we can mount a challenge to achieve Premiership status by the end of next season.

"The number of players who are out of contract gives Mick the opportunity to determine the squad that starts pre-season training unlike last year when he inherited a very difficult situation with a big squad many of which were to leave, which he managed amazingly.

"The club is spurred on by the achievements of Mick and the players in reaching the FA Cup semi-final and third place in Division One, and it is up to the board and everyone at the club to do their utmost to ensure that next season is successful."

Meanwhile, McCarthy is still involved in talks with six out-of-contract players - Jeff Whitley, Tommy Smith, Darren Byfield, John Oster, Richie Ryan and Neil Teggart.