Latics boss John Sheridan has started the annual in-out rotation of players for the upcoming 2007-08 season. Paul Warne (pictured) is out of contract in summer and has been told that his current deal will not be renewed so he will become a free agent next month. Also on the release list are Simon Charlton and Alan Blayney who are both free to look for other clubs. 23 year old leading goalscorer Chris Porter and Richie Wellens will be offered new terms as will be defender Stefan Stam. Stam is currently undergoing rehabilitation from a hamstring injury but Porter is rumoured to be turning down the offer and is expected to be moving out of Boundary Park. Paul Edwards is another player who has done sufficient to be offered new terms. Keeper Les Pogliacomi's contract has another year to run as he had an option in his contract but Shez will still be looking to bring in another keeper to challenge the big Aussie for his first team position. The manager is to meet with club captain Will Haining soon to discuss his future at the club.
Loanees Luigi Glombard and Miki Roque have both returned to Cardiff and Liverpool respectively although Glombard's contract at Ninian Park expires next month and will not be renewed.
Sheridan said, "This isn't a nice time, but these are decisions I have to make and I feel I've made them for the good of the club. I want to bring in more quality and continue to improve on what has been a fantastic season. I'm proud of what the lads have achieved this year and I think we can take a lot of positives out of the season. Some of the younger lads in particular have done well, but I know I need to bring in players with a bit more quality. It's vital to have pace up front. That isn't being harsh on anyone because all my strikers have done very well, but I know what I need."
"I know how I want to play and I've learned so much from my first season as manager that I could write a book. I want better quality and I want us to be mentally stronger. We've let in far too many bad goals, and that has cost us. There are a few lads out of contract and I'll be having a chat with them. We have done well, but we need to do better."