Montrose manager Paul Hegarty has launched a radical overhaul of his squad with no less than 16 players heading for the Links Park exit.
The Dundee United legend helped the Gable Endies retain their SPFL status following last month’s historic pyramid play-off win over Highland League Brora Rangers.
However, the squad who had left the club teetering on the brink of being cast out of senior football has now paid the price for the disappointments of last season.
Club skipper and play-off goal-scoring hero Garry Wood as well as central defender Jonathan Crawford had already left to join Formartine United while goalie Stuart McKenzie had also chosen to move back to Cove Rangers.
Long-serving centre-half Alan Campbell is also departing the club along with Jordan Allan, David Banjo, Danny Cavanagh, Stephen Day, Bryan Deasley, Ross Graham, Paul Harkins, Craig Johnston, Ewan Moyes, Leighton McIntosh, Stephen O’Neil and Kieran Sturrock.
However, the midfield trio of Scott Johnston, Ross McCord and Graham Webster have all agreed terms for new contracts while Hegarty is waiting to hear back from Paul Watson and Terry Masson who have also been offered deals while Marvin Andrews’ future is unclear.
Forward Ross Campbell, who scored six times towards the end of last season, along with youngsters Declan Milne and Kyle McLeod remain under contract.
Club chairman Derek Sim said: “I appreciate that fans may be concerned about the number of players departing the club, but given how disappointed we all were with last year, wholesale changes were essential.
“This will allow Paul and John (assistant manager Holt) to build their own team and I am confident we will be challenging at the right end of the league next time out.”