Cambridge United can now publish its Retained List following initial meetings between First Team Players and Management…
Three players are leaving the Club – Wes Hoolahan, Kai-McKenzie Lyle and Tom Dickens - with all other players either contracted for next season, returning to their parent clubs or having been offered new deals.
Wes Hoolahan leaves after two seasons with the U’s, where he captured the hearts of the United supporters with his brilliant displays for the team.
No player shone brighter during the Club’s promotion winning season – earning a place in the League Two Team of the Season – and he continued to play an integral part the following year in helping the Club achieve its highest ever league finish since 1993/94.
Dimiar Mitov, George Williams, Paul Digby, Lloyd Jones, James Brophy, Joe Ironside, Sam Smith, Jubril Okedina, Shilow Tracey, Lewis Simper, Harvey Knibbs, Jack Lankester, Harvey Beckett and Mamadou Jobe are under contract for the 2022/23 season, whilst Ben Worman and Liam Bennett have had their options triggered.
New contracts have been offered to Greg Taylor, Jack Iredale, Liam O’Neil, Harrison Dunk, Adam May and Will Mannion.
Head Coach Mark Bonner said, “The players are now enjoying a well-earned break following the conclusion of the season and having met every player, we are now busy preparing for the new season.
“Wes Hoolahan leaves this summer after an instrumental two seasons with us. His influence on the team, role in winning games and contribution to last season’s promotion and this year’s form cannot be understated.
"His experience and professionalism have made him a key member of the team and a pleasure to work with. I know how fortunate I am that my two years in the role have coincided with Wes’ time here and he is without doubt the most talented player I have seen play for the Club over the three decades I have been watching. Wes will forever be welcome at the Abbey Stadium and we will always be grateful for his inspiration, effort and example.
"Kai McKenzie-Lyle and Tom Dickens also move on this Summer with our best wishes. Tom has been with the Club through the whole Academy pathway and as we support him in the next stages of his career to try to help him find the most suitable Club to continue the next part of his development, we thank him for his commitment throughout.
“We are also thankful to the players who have contributed during their time on loan and they now return to their parent clubs with our best wishes for the future.
“Discussions with those players regarding new contracts are now underway and we await the outcome of those discussions, before any further announcements."
Please find confirmation of the full Retained List below:
- Under Contract: Dimitar Mitov, George Williams, Paul Digby, Lloyd Jones, James Brophy, Joe Ironside, Sam Smith, Jubril Okedina, Shilow Tracey, Lewis Simper, Harvey Knibbs, Jack Lankester, Harvey Beckett, Mamadou Jobe
- Contract Option Triggered: Ben Worman, Liam Bennett
- Offered New Contract: Greg Taylor, Jack Iredale, Liam O’Neil, Harrison Dunk, Adam May, Will Mannion
- Players Leaving Club: Wes Hoolahan, Kai McKenzie-Lyle, Tom Dickens
- Loan Players Returned to Parent Clubs: Sam Sherring, Jensen Weir, Lorent Tolaj
The Club would like to place on records its sincere thanks to all players who are leaving Cambridge United and/or returning to their parent clubs. Further details on the outcomes of players who have been offered contracts will be released in due course.