Ex-Blues: Morecambe release former Carlisle United defender

Ex-Blues defender Rhys Bennett is among five players let go by the Shrimps following their third-tier survival.

But Morecambe have offered Arthur Gnahoua new terms.

Bennett's release ends his half-season spell at the Mazuma Stadium which saw the 30-year-old make 12 appearances.

That included an outing on the final day when Morecambe secured their League One status despite a home defeat to Sunderland.

He had joined the Shrimps from Gillingham in January, having signed for the Kent outfit last summer after his departure from United, where he made 26 appearances last term.

Bennett has been released along with Toumani Diagouraga, Greg Leigh, Jacob Mensah and Freddie Price.

Arthur Gnahoua (photo: PA)

Morecambe stayed up by a two-point margin with Bennett's previous employers Gillingham one of four clubs to be relegated into League Two.

The Lancashire club's manager Derek Adams said: "Today we offered three players new contracts and have taken the option up on our young goalkeeper.

“We have 14 players still under contract for next season, but we have made a decision to make some of them available to possibly find a new club if the right opportunity comes along.

“We have decided not to offer five players new terms and wish them well at their new clubs.

“We had four players on-loan and they will return to their parent clubs after successful loan spells at Morecambe Football Club.”

Gnahoua - who had an injury-hit spell at United in 2018/19 - has been offered a new deal along with Adam Smith and Aaron Wildig.

Those still under contract but made available for transfer are Jonah Ayunga, Ryan Cooney, Ryan Delaney, Courtney Duffus, Wes McDonald, Ryan McLaughlin, Shane McLoughlin, Anthony O’Connor, Jon Obika and Connor Pye.