Former Carlisle United striker Gary Madine has been released by Blackpool.

The Tangerines, relegated from the Championship, have decided not to take up an option to extend the frontman’s contract.

It sees Madine move on from Bloomfield Road after three-and-a-half years.

The 32-year-old’s exit comes at a time he is sidelined with a cruciate knee ligament injury which is set to keep him out for most of 2023.

Madine is one of eight players Blackpool have decided not to retain despite having options in their contracts.

Liam Bridcutt, Luke Garbutt, Harvey Hughes, Bez Lubala, Chris Maxwell, Kevin Stewart and Joe Strawn are the others.

A further four players – Keshi Anderson, Stuart Moore, Curtis Nelson and Jordan Thorniley – are also departing at the end of their contracts as the Lancashire club prepare for life back in League One.

Madine made 27 appearances for Blackpool in the 2022/23 season, scoring four goals.

He was sidelined in March with the injury that is likely to rule him out until 2024.

The frontman had two spells at Carlisle, initially coming through the youth team ranks to make 85 appearances and score 22 goals between 2007-11.

He later returned on loan from Sheffield Wednesday to score two goals in five outings in 2014.

He has also played for Rochdale, Coventry City, Chesterfield, Bolton Wanderers, Cardiff City and Sheffield United.