Manager Matt Gray has released seven of last season's squad as he begins to prepare for U's debut season in SkyBet League Two. Defenders Joash Nembhard and Aaron Simpson, and forwards Rhys Browne and Callum Kealy all featured in the first team during the season, Callum scoring on the first day of the season against Maidenhead and Aaron striking a memorable goal against Solihull in December in front of U's supporters. Matt said: ''We are grateful for the part that Joash, Aaron, Rhys and Callum played in our success last season. It will do them no harm as they continue their careers, and we wish them all the best for the future.''
Matt has also released defenders Jude Mason and Bradley Pearce, who graduated through the Academy system and have been out on several loan spells over the past two seasons. Matt explained ''Brad and Jude have had limited game time with us over the last couple of years and at this stage of their careers it's important that they are playing regular first team football on a permanent basis rather than through the loan system. We wish them both well and will continue to monitor their progress.''
The seventh player to depart is midfielder Wayne Brown, whose appearances have been limited since recovering from a knee injury during the 2019-20 season. Wayne scored two goals in his twenty five senior appearances for the club, and Matt said: 'Wayne's been unlucky not to feature since his injury, but he's fully fit again, and we wish him every success in the future and thank him for his time with us.''