Steve Davis on why he felt releasing five was in the best interest of the club

Steve Davis says that he had to make some really tough decisions when allowing five of his first-team squad to leave this summer. The Alex boss decided not to offer new contracts to Steve Phillips, Mark Ellis, Abdul Osman, AJ Leitch-Smith and Kelvin Mellor, but admits that those decisions were made in best interest of the club.

Steve told the club’s official web-site: “There were some tough decisions to make and it is difficult but they are always made in the best interest of the club. I have said before that is part of the job and you have to make the right decisions.

“It is tough because I have nothing but respect and time for all the lads. They have all been great servants for the club and I’m sure they will go on and have decent careers.

“All we can do is wish them well and help them if we can. We can only look forward as a club and try and improve the squad.”