Half a dozen departures make room for new boys

3:45pm Tuesday 13th May 2008

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SIX of Vics' survival squad have been shown the door.

Manager Dino Maamria told the Guardian today he needed to make room for new recruits, hence the decision to release half a dozen players.

"It's the hardest part of my job," he said.

"Telling somebody that they have no place in my future plans is not easy and I've found it difficult to be honest."

The first four names on his list - Keith Barker, Michael Bowler, Cayne Hanley and Jake Speight - were mooted last week and come as no surprise.

The other two, winger Luke Horrocks and utility man Josh Wilson, were more of a surprise, particularly as the latter only penned an 18-month contract at the turn of the year.

"I've told them they need to find a new club," added Maamria.

"I want us to push on next season and sometimes the players that do one job for you, such as staying up, might not be right for the next step."

Two others, Nat Kerr and Michael Byrne, have not been offered a terms but both have been invited to take part in Vics' pre-season preparations in a bid to prove they are worth a second chance.

Maamria admitted fitness worries with both had swayed his mind.

"I've decided not to offer them deals for now," he said.

"That does not mean their time at Northwich Victoria is over but it's up to them what happens next.

"We had an option to retain Michael Byrne on the same terms but there is not enough money in the budge to offer him a new contract.

"I've asked him to come back and prove to me I was wrong."

Maamria plans to talk to two others, Danny Williams and Danny Meadowcroft, when the pair return from a holiday later this week.