Wembley heroes Miller and Roberts lead Town’s exodus

Midfield pair Tommy Miller and Gary Roberts were part of the Terriers side which beat Sheffield United in the League One play-off final on Saturday to secure a place in next season’s Championship.

But the duo are not part of Grayson’s long-term plans – along with five other Town players – and will not be offered new contracts this summer.

The others heading for the Galpharm Stadium exits are Nathan Clarke – the 28-year-old defender is the longest serving player in Town’s squad – Gary Naysmith, Danny Cadamarteri, Aidan Chippendale and Simon Thomas while rookie defender Greg Pearson will leave the club despite having 12 months left on his contract.

But Grayson is set to offer five Town players new deals, including veteran goalkeeper Ian Bennett, Tom Clarke, striker Alan Lee and Lloyd Allinson.

Talks to keep on-loan midfielder Damien Johnson will also start after the expiry of his contract with parent club Plymouth Argyle expired and Nick Colgan, the club’s new Academy goalkeeping coach, will retain his playing registration.

“I’ve experienced the contrasting sides of football over the last few days; the positive side of Saturday and the days since and then today, when I’ve had to release players who have contributed massively throughout the season and the play-offs,” said Grayson.

“It’s never easy, but we have to make big decisions at the club to take Huddersfield Town forward.

“We have to keep working hard. A lot of work has happened behind the scenes already and it’s about taking the club forward again now.

“It would have been a different scenario had we stayed in League One, but as a Championship club we have made these decisions on players.”

Grayson now starts planning for a Championship campaign but insists the club will try to help find new employers for the departing players.

“We’ve got the experience of the goalkeepers, who have been great to work with alongside Alex Smithies, as well as the potential of Lloyd.

“Damien showed his experience and quality when he came back into the team towards the end of the season; Alan has great ability whereas Tom Clarke is an unsung hero and deserves his opportunity.

“A lot of players have left and the ones we will look to bring in will be good enough for the Championship.

“All the players leave with a huge amount of respect from us, as they’ve been a joy to work with since the first day we arrived. They are great lads and the spirit within the dressing room has been fantastic, so both the experienced and younger players will get every possible help from us.”

Town chief executive Nigel Clibbens added: “Everyone at the club would like to extend their gratitude to the players that are leaving. The end of the season is always marked by a degree of sadness as players depart, but on this occasion it is accompanied by real success and achievement in which they can all be proud – they have secured their place in the club’s history.”