Saints make major changes
02 Jul 2008 - 11:29:31
Southampton have released six players following last season's disappointing campaign, while Cedric Baseya has joined Lille on a Bosman free transfer.
The 20-year-old striker made only one substitute appearance for the Saints and rejected a new deal at St Mary's in order to return to his homeland.
PLC chairman Rupert Lowe told the club's official website: "Everyone here tried to contact him to try and persuade him to stay but we wish him well there.
"I think he owes us a lot for the way we've developed him and given him great technical training but he's opted to sign for Lille."
Meanwhile, Inigo Idiakez, Alexander Ostlund, Darren Powell, Mario Licka, Jermaine Wright and Josh Dutton-Black have all been released, with Lowe adding: "We're very grateful to them for their service and wish them well.
"I've spoken to most of them and tried to call them all personally to thank them, although with holidays it hasn't been possible to speak to them all.
"We notified the players and the Football League by the appropriate deadlines but it wasn't in our commercial interests to announce the retained list."
