Dale release Widdowson and Holden

Dale have surprisingly released Joe Widdowson. The left back joins David Lucas and Dean Holden in being released by the club.

Lucas is not to be unexpected, he has been overtaken by Matt Edwards and would be too expensive to be on the bench. Widdowson has done well in his time at the club and Holden added vital experience to the defence last season, so they may be surprised to be released.

Manager John Coleman has promised a complete overall of the squad, but of the eight out of contract, Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro, Kevin Amankwaah, Simon Hackney and Joe Thompson have been offered new deals, with Brian Barry Murphy in negotiations with the club.

The four players on loan at the club are leaving.