Albion Release Four Players

West Bromwich Albion have confirmed that options have been taken up on 5 players, but 4 have been released.

The club have activated the 12 month options they held on Jerome Thomas, Simon Cox, Marc-Antoine Fortune, Luke Daniels and Romaine Sawyers, but have decided not to take up the options on Nicky Shorey, Joe Mattock, Somen Tchoyi and Lateef Elford-Alliyu.

Therefore those players have been released.

Speaking to wba.co.uk Dan Ashworth said.

'Liam Ridgewell has come in and very much made the left back position his own. We felt Nicky and Joe's opportunities would therefore be limited. Joe is still at the beginning of his career, and Nicky is an experienced player, both require regular football and we can't guarantee them that. Somen had some real highlights in his first season with us, but his opportunities have become fewer and fewer, so we decided it was best to part company. Lateef has been with us since he was 15, we just felt staing in the Premier League for a third season means the bar has been raised, and it would be hard for him to break into our first team. I'd like to thank all four players and wish them well for the future.'

Ashworth also adds that the futures of Paul Scharner, Keith Andrews and Marton Fulop will hinge on the incoming gaffer - whoever that may be as they are contracted until June 30.

'Neither Paul nor Keith had an option for us to trigger. While we're in a position where we do not have a permanent head coach we are holding open the possibility of negotiations to enable both players to come back.

Vital West Brom on:

Vital West Brom on:

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.