Seven top players leave Sheffield United

Former Reading pair James Harper and Glen Little, striker Henri Camara and defender Derek Geary are the biggest casualties along with Jonathan Fortune, Ian Bennett and Justin Haber.

Reserve team youngsters Liban Abdi and Sam Wedgbury will also be leaving Bramall Lane.

Blackwell said: "It is always sad to see long-serving players leave, particularly when they have served us well, but we are rebuilding a squad that we hope will equip us for a promotion challenge and this will give us some leeway towards bringing others in.

"I would like to thank all of them for what they have given Sheffield United and hope that they soon find other clubs."

Harper, Little and Camara were all signed in the last 12 months but former Sheffield Wednesday full-back Geary joined the Blades six years ago.

Fortune was signed on a short-term contract after being released by Charlton Athletic this season and reserve team goalkeeper Bennett cost 100,000 from Leeds United in 2006.

Maltese international Haber, 28, spent two seasons as third-choice goalkeeper but his acquisition also had commercial links with the club's shirt sponsors. He has now moved to the Blades' sister club Ferencvaros in Hungary.

The Blades are still in negotiations with Scottish international defender Gary Naysmith and Player of the Year Nick Montgomery, whose contracts have also expired but who are keen to sign new deals if the terms are right.