Carlisle United has confirmed the players it will be keeping on into the next season, and the players it will be releasing from their contracts.

With the season having officially been brought to a close on Friday following an agreement reached across League Two clubs that playing the remaining games would be impossible, United this weekend confirmed which players it would be keeping on for the 2020/2021 season.

Five senior players staying with the club were already under contract for the coming season: Nick Anderton, Callum Guy, Aaron Hayden, Max Hunt Jon Mellish and Omari Patrick.

The following seven younger players have been kept on: Jamie Armstrong, Charlie Barnes, Charlie Birch, Taylor Charters Josh Dixon, Liam Lightfoot and Tom Wilson.

Lewis Alessandra, whose contract had ended with the close of this season, has been offered a new contract.

United plans to also offer contracts to Jack Bridge, Gethin Jones and Byron Webster.

Ten players are to be released by the club when their contracts end at the close of June: Adam Collin, Kelvin Etuhu, Louis Gray, Jack Iredale, Mike Jones, Keighran Kerr, Nathaniel Knight-Percival, Harry McKirdy, Mo Sagaf and Stefan Scougall.

On the players on loan, head coach Chris Beech explained: “Had the season started up again we would have had Marcus Dewhurst, Josh Kayode and Elliot Watt available. Obviously the decision today means that is no longer required.

“Ryan Loft is with us until towards the end of this month anyway, so no action was required on that. Olufela Olomola is back with Scunthorpe, and we thank him and wish him the very best for his efforts as he returns to his parent club.

“I wanted to retain Nathan Thomas, but his contract at Sheffield United is up as of 30 June and, with the discussions we had with him, and with him being on a very good deal with them, we know that he’ll be looking to protect that as much as he can with his next move.

"We understand that and, once again, we thank him and wish him the very best.”

United's chief executive Nigel Clibbens said: “We are releasing our information now, even though every player remains furloughed - but under contract - until 30 June."

“We considered waiting, but held early discussions with the players and quickly decided it was right to give the playing squad clarity about their future at the club at the earliest possible opportunity.

“We simply want everyone to have as much time as possible to plan for their future.

"It is in our control to act early and that’s the right thing to do.

"There is enough uncertainty without creating more.

“Making new contract offers in times like these is not ideal, but the club is committed to supporting Chris Beech as he looks to reshape his squad, starting with offers made to some existing players.

“We would like to place on record our thanks and gratitude to each player who will be leaving Carlisle United this summer for their service and contribution to the club.

“Special thanks go to Adam Collin, Kelvin Etuhu and Mike Jones. All three have been excellent servants for our club over a long period, and it's been a pleasure for us all to work with them.

"Adam, as our captain, is ending his second spell with us and has played every minute of every League Two game for 76 games in a row since his return.

“We wish all of the players who are moving on the very best and look forward to seeing them again in the future.”