Scott McNiven has been released by Athletic. He has been playing on a week-to-week contract for two years after refusing a new deal and will be released as a free agent. McNiven played over 250 games for the club and since joining Athletic as a 16 year old he became one of their youngest-ever league players. Mick Wadsworth explained, “The contract was on the table all along, but Scott didn't feel it was what he wanted. That meant there was always an air of uncertainty over whether he wanted to play for the club and was totally committed to it. He has done quite a good job for me, but we have a lot of centre-backs here, especially when David Beharall and Shaun Garnett are back from injury. Our squad numbers are fairly high and I couldn't guarantee Scott would be playing very much next season.”
Meanwhile Oldham born Ben Smith, the utility player at the end of his first professional year, is set to be offered a short term deal. A decision will be made on his longer term future at the end of summer.