Stoke City announce departures of seven players

Stoke City manager Mark Hughes has begun work at his new club by officially releasing seven players from the squad.

Rory Delap, Dean Whitehead, Mamady Sidibe, Jermaine Pennant, Matthew Upson, Matthew Lund and Carlo Nash will play no part in the new era under Hughes, who replaced Tony Pulis on a three-year contract.

The Potters released a statement saying: "The club would like to thank all the players for their contribution during their time with us and wish them all the very best for the future."

The Premier League outfit also confirmed that Dave Kemp, Mark O'Connor, Adrian Pennock, Paul Maxwell, Dave Kevan and Gerry Francis have left the coaching set-up at the Britannia Stadium.