Gary Breen released by Mick McCarthy

May 9 2008 by Paul Berry

SKIPPER Gary Breen has been released by Mick McCarthy as the Wolves boss kicked off the summer overhaul to his Molineux squad.

Breen’s two year contract is not being renewed but Wolves have taken up their year option on Jody Craddock and are in discussions with Michael Gray.

McCarthy will not pursue any interest in loan trio Graeme Stack, Darron Gibson or Kevin Kyle and has also made a further five players available for transfer alongside Freddy Eastwood.

Defenders Darren Ward and Rob Edwards, midfielder Darren Potter and strikers Jay Bothroyd and Stephen Elliott will all be allowed to leave if a suitable offer comes in.

“We want to make some changes and freshen things up, so we need to generate places for new players by transfer listing some of the squad,” explained McCarthy.

“And these players themselves will want regular first team football to develop their own careers.”

The decision to part company with Breen brings to an end a hugely successful alliance between the pair which covered 12 years for club and country.

“Breeny wants to continue playing,” confirmed McCarthy.

“I’ve had 12 great years working with him at club and international level but we both knew it would come to an end at some stage.

“He keeps himself really fit and has been a fine example to the younger lads.

“He’s been a terrific pro and I’m sure he will go on and be a great asset for someone.”

Elsewhere Keith Lowe, who has spent the season on loan at Port Vale, is also out of contract and not being re-signed. Kevin O’Connor will likewise not be re-engaged but will remain at the club until he is fully recovered from a recent hamstring operation.

O’Connor actually scored the first goal of McCarthy’s Wolves reign, a deflected shot in a 1-1 draw at Plymouth, but shortly afterwards suffered the first in a string of injuries which have blighted his progress.

Meanwhile a one-year option will be taken up with Academy graduate Matt Bailey.

Of those departing loan players, keeper Stack becomes a free agent while Gibson and Kyle return to parent clubs, Manchester United and Coventry respectively.