CIAN Bolger, Gary Deegan, Myles Weston, Luke Prosser, Jamar Loza and Noel Hunt have been released by Southend United.

Bolger, Weston, Prosser, Loza and Hunt have not been offered new deals while Deegan has also departed after Blues boss Phil Brown could not guarantee the midfielder a place in the starting line-up.

However, Brown was keen to thank all of the players for their efforts.

“The players leave wish our best wishes, we thank them for everything that they’ve done and we wish them all the very best for the future,” said Brown.

“You have to make these decisions at this time of year and we want to try and put together a squad capable of getting promotion.”

Deegan’s departure is the most surprising of the six after a clause in his contract was triggered for another season after Blues failed to win promotion from League One.

But Brown revealed the Irishman had moved on in search of guaranteed first team football.

“Gary wanted me to guarantee he would start and I couldn’t do that,” said Brown.

“I can never do that with any player because the places up for grabs for those who work hard in pre-season and do well.

“I can’t promise somebody will start because the team is picked on form.

“But Gary said he wanted to move on and we wish him all the best because he’s done well for us.”

Winger Kevan Hurst was released earlier on in the week after four years with the Shrimpers.

Brown has yet to meet with midfielder Franck Moussa who also ended the season with Blues while the Blues boss is also not ruling out Hunt returning to Roots Hall next season.