PHIL PARKINSON says he had to free up space in his squad to allow him to make signings that will make Wrexham competitive in League One next season.

Eight players who are out of contract at The Racecourse this summer have been released, including first team captain Luke Young and club captain Ben Tozer.

Young is the longest serving player in the squad, having joined the Reds from Torquay United in the summer of 2018, and the midfielder has played a key role in the Reds clinching back-to-back promotions for the first time in the club's history.

A two-time Player of the Season award winner, Young has not been offered a new deal along with centre-back Tozer who signed for Wrexham in August 2021 from Cheltenham Town and has been a highly influential figure in the squad.

Defenders Aaron Hayden, Jordan Tunnicliffe, Callum McFadzean and Dan Davies, goalkeeper Rob Lainton and midfielder Owen Cushion have also been released but utility player James McClean has had his contract automatically extended for the 2024-25 campaign and striker Steven Fletcher, goalkeeper Mark Howard and defender Aaron James have been offered new deals 

Clubs in League One are limited to a 22-man squad, although that number does not include goalkeepers or players who were under the age of 21 at the start of the calendar year, and Parkinson had to bear that in mind when it came to deciding who should be part of his plans going forward.

"People are not completely aware of that rule. We have got to work towards the 22-man squad and inevitably, the only way we can bring players in is by letting people go," said the Reds' boss.

"The aim has always been to improve what we have got in each transfer window but also maintaining our key players.

"That's what we will be aiming to do this time.

"It is going to be an interesting summer, we have got ideas how we would like to see the squad shape up.

"We will take our time and hopefully get a squad which can be competitive."

On telling players they are not being retained, Parkinson added: "It was difficult because all the lads have made contributions over the last few years.

"I wish all the lads all the best and I am sure they will all get fixed up with good clubs, ready for the next challenge in their careers."