Warne awaiting Smallwood's contract decision

ROTHERHAM UNITED have released the experienced quartet of Lee Camp, Stephen Kelly, Kelvin Wilson and Joel Ekstrand and are likely to allow several senior contracted players seek deals elsewhere.

The four out-of-contract players had been widely expected to leave, with Tom Thorpe, Chris Dawson, Fabian Bailey and Tom Rose also released.

Richie Smallwood, Joe Mattock and Richard Wood have been offered new contracts and the former is likely to reveal his decision later today.

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The release of eight players will free up room in his playing budget for manager Paul Warne, likely to be receptive to the prospect of several others under contract finding other clubs, should they wish.

Expecting a decision from Smallwood shortly, Warne, who said that the decision to offer fresh terms to Mattock and Wood was a ‘no-brainer’ said: “I think Richie epitomises the hard work at this club. I have offered him a deal and hopefully I should know if he has signed it shortly.”

On the decision to free eight players, Warne, known to be an admirer of released Sheffield United player Matt Done, added: “It frees up a bit of wages. It is helpful, (although) I know that sounds awful.

“It is always sad to see people go. But when I left here, I went to Oldham and had two great years. I was sad to leave Oldham but went to Yeovil and had two brilliant years, then came back here.

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“These are all good players. They are going to continue having great careers, just not under my tutelage at this great club.”

The Millers have a contract option regarding Danny Ward, which will be invoked later this month .

Warne, who has received an offer from a Championship club for top-scorer Ward and another unnamed player, said: “I believe all that is in place (with Ward contract option), there is nothing sinister.

“That will be done by the end of the month, we would be stupid not to take that option up and then we will see where his career takes him.

“I would love to keep Wardy, we are pretty tight.

“I think he has done his part at this club. If he sees it fit that he goes and plays somewhere else, and we can get the fee that we want, then he goes with my blessing.”