Gone - the XI who are no more

  • by Staff Writer
  • Friday, 29th May 2015

11 players have been released by West Ham United, after their contracts came to an end.

The club have announced that first team pros Jussi Jaaskelainen, Carlton Cole, Guy Demel and Nene will not be offered new deals.

They are joined by Under 21s Kieran Bywater, Sean Maguire, Paul McCallum and, most notably, Dan Potts, whose father Steve currently manages the Development squad.

From the Academy, scholars Jerry Amoo, Kieran Bailey and Taylor Tombides - younger brother of Dylan, who sadly died last year - have also been released.

Nene, who moved to London in January but barely featured under Sam Allardyce admitted he was disappointed by the lack of opportunities at West Ham - but felt that he could still play at the highest level for another three years, at least.

"I came to West Ham very motivated and before long was completely adapted, training and playing at a high level, but ended up having few opportunities", he said via his personal website.

"When the season ended I talked to the owners of West Ham and decided it would be best to continue my career at another club.

"I never had physical problems and injuries were rare throughout my career. So I know I can keep playing at a high level for at most three or four seasons. I'll examine any proposals that arise, both in Europe and with Brazilian clubs."

Meanwhile Cole, who enjoyed two spells at West Ham totalling nine years penned a heartfelt farewell letter to the club's supporters.

"I've been at West Ham United for quite a long time and I've enjoyed myself here, with all the ups and downs, the heartaches and everything that came along with it," he wrote.

"At the same time, I've grown from being a boy to a man here and everybody has treated me like a part of the family.

"It is heart-warming to know that I have got such support and that I have done my fair share for the club and been part of the history as well, which is very important for me. I'm very happy to have been a part of it and, wherever my future may lie, West Ham will always have a special place in my heart.

"It means a lot to me to have been at West Ham for so long. I wouldn't like to use the word hero, but I have played my part. A load of players have come and gone, but I've stayed around and enjoyed every minute of it."

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