As expected Saints have released the five first team squad players that are out of contract in another cost saving exercise.

Alexander Ostlund, Darren Powell, Mario Licka, Jermaine Wright and Inigo Idiakez have all been told they won't be offered extensions to their contracts which expired this week, while youngster Josh Dutton-Black has also been released.

Academy prospect Cedric Baseya has opted not to sign a new deal and has joined Lille in France.
This move, when put together with the returned loanees, leaves Saints very thin on the ground at the back.  

It leaves Saints with Only 3 defenders with first team experience.  Andrew Davies and Wayne Thomas (both of whom spent a part of last season Injured) along with new signing 35 year old Chris Perry.   The only other player listed as a first team defender is Oliver Lancashire, like the other 3 a central defender.

Hopefully this will be put right very soon, as Saints started last season with an under strength defence, and it set the tone for the whole season.

More to follow………..

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