Stalwart Curtis amongst Gateshead's released players

[FF News]

Vanarama National League club Gateshead have released a number of long-serving players as manager Neil Aspin looks to reshape his squad.

Aspin goes into his first summer looking to freshen up the Tynesiders squad and has
chosen to release the likes of centre back James Curtis, right back Craig Baxter and striker Jon Shaw.

Curtis has been at the International Stadium since 2003 and has been part of two promotions in his time with the club, however Aspin has decided against offering the veteran a new contract.

Curtis and Baxter aren't the only defenders leaving the club, with recent addition Darren Holden also on the released list.

In midfield, a further four players have been deemed surplus to requirements at Gateshead.

South African international Matty Pattison, Jimmy Phillips and Rob Ramshaw will also depart, with the latter marking his 100th appearance for Gateshead with a goal at Chester on Saturday.

Another midfielder, Jamie Chandler, had already announced his intention to quit the club in March.

Up front, James Marwood has endured a frustrating second spell with the Tynesiders and will also leave the club.

The 25-year-old re-joined from Forest Green Rovers last summer, but has missed much of the campaign with an ankle injury.

Rounding off the released list is veteran Jon Shaw, who also sees a second stint at the International Stadium come to an end.

The 32-year-old has struck 69 times for the club, his last goal coming in last month’s 2-1 defeat to Torquay United.

However Aspin has chosen to hand midfield duo Gus Mafuta and Paddy McLaughlin new contracts and confirmed that skipper Ben Clark will remain at the club in a new, off-the-pitch role next term, and will also be registered as a first-team player.

Goalkeeper Sam Russell has been made available for transfer.

An announcement on the future of Gateshead’s U19 squad – including first-team registered Jack Elliott, Joe Hailes, Mechack Kanda and Shaun MacDonald – will be made later this month.

Source: www.gateshead-fc.com

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