As expected, Jim O’Brien, Stephen Foster and Jacob Butterfield were offered new deals with Foster accepting his without haste, whilst Jay McEveley- currently on loan at League Two champions Swindon, Alastair Taylor and David Preece were all told their futures like elsewhere. But the surprises came with the news manager Keith Hill has told David Cotterill, Nathan Doyle and Andy Gray that they are not in his plans for next season.
For the past few weeks Hill had all but assured the press that striker Gray would spend a fourth season at Oakwell whilst also hinting midfielder Doyle would be offered fresh terms after forcing his way back into the side following a loan spell at Preston in November. The club have today confirmed however both players will leave this summer when their current deals expire.
Overall it means Doyle scored two goals in 87 appearances for the club from 2009 whilst Gray netted 21 times in 95 games from 2009, including eight this season as he finished the club’s third highest scorer.
Meanwhile Welsh winger Cotterill will also not be extending his stay at the club. The 24 year old was signed in January following his release by Swansea and had impressed during his six games, but Hill has opted not to keep him longer.
Source: FOOTYMAD
