Black lets players go in preparation for next season

May 27 2009

AIRDRIE UNITED boss Kenny Black has released four players as he begins planning for next season.

Top scorer Simon Lynch has been told he won't be offered a new contract, with Matt Hazley, Chris McMenamin and Stephen Maguire receiving the same news.

Black has informed midfielder Michael Brown - who started just two games last season - and young defender Calum Brady that he intends to offer them short-term deals. The only player yet to be told of his future is striker Stuart Noble, who wasn't at New Broomfield for talks this morning.

Every other out-of-contract member of the playing squad will be offered new terms, including winger Steven McDougall whose pre-contract agreement with Dunfermline Athletic is on the verge of falling through due to an issue over compensation, and full-back Willie McLachlan who has been released by Rangers.

The manager will find out towards the end of this week what his playing budget will be, with meetings taking place over the coming days.

Marc Smyth, Kevin McDonald, John Baird and Kevin Watt are already tied to the club until the end of next season.

Black said: "Simon knows where the back of the net is and will probably be made offers from clubs in the first division. It might have been nigh-on impossible to try and keep him anyway.

"But he has been a good signing for us and he, like the others, go with our best wishes.

"I know some of the players we would like to keep will maybe take the opportunity to move elsewhere and I am ready for that.

"Continuity is important to me but there will be no hiding place next season. There is only one position we want to be and that is at the top-of-the-table."

On McDougall's situation, Black said: "I don't have a problem with Steven and I think he was badly advised at the time.

"But he has reiterated that he would be welcome to accepting a new deal from us and he could be a big player for us next season."

In regards to wanting to retain Brown, the manager added: "It might seem strange that we are offering him something when we never really used him.

"He can play anywhere across the middle four and he is technically a good player. I think he has ability and I want to see him pushing for a starting jersey."