Foster, asked in November to remove a clause in his contract which would have guarateed him a new deal if he had played two more matches, has not played since November. The 35-year-old made 107 league and cup appearances.

Staunton said: "Fossie has been with the club a few years and has been a great servant and we're grateful to him for the way he's gone about his job this season.

"Thorpey hasn't been with us very long and it just hasn't worked out for him but he has also remained professional and approached every day in training in the same way so credit to him for that.

"It's unfortunate it hasn't worked out for both players, but we need to plan ahead. I've always said there are short-term goals and long-term ones and I'm afraid they aren't part of our long-term plans, but that's football, they understand that. We wish them both our very best wishes in the future."

Thorpe, signed by former manager Colin Todd last summer, struggled to make an impact at the club. He played 10 games, scoring once.

Source: Team Talk