Updated: Five out in Blues cull (From Echo)

Updated: Five out in Blues cull

4:16pm Monday 19th May 2008 in

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BLUES boss Steve Tilson has released five players following Friday night's play-off disappointment at Doncaster Rovers.

Tilson has not offered new terms to long-serving midfielder Kevin Maher, full back Che Wilson, defen-der Lewis Hunt, winger Tommy Black or goalkeeper Steve Collis.

And their futures will now lie away from Roots Hall.

"I met the players face to face yesterday to discuss their futures and we wish them all the very best for the future," said Tilson, 41, who has signed striker James Walker on a permanent basis.

"I explained my decisions and unfortunately it's something you have to do in football."

Maher's departure signals an end of an era after he made more than 450 appearances for the club during his 10 seasons with the Shrimpers.

The midfielder captained the side to successive promotions, as well as two LDV Vans Trophy finals and victory over Manchester United in the Carling Cup.

But he fell out of favour midway through last season and ended the campaign on loan at Gillingham.

"Kev has been a tremendous and loyal servant for us," said Tilson.

"We've had Alan McCormack and Nicky Bailey play really well for us this season though and we have Franck Moussa coming through too which is why we've allowed Kev to go."

Wilson and Hunt also played a part in the promotions in 2005 and 2006 as the side worked their way into the Championship and the duo earned praise from Tilson.

"Che's just a fantastic professional," he said. "He's a credit to himself and the game but I just think he needs to go out and get games now.

"Hunty has been with me from day one too and he is another one who needs matches."

Black has left the club after just one season at Roots Hall. He played 45 times but was unlikely to figure as regularly next year, while Collis departs after two years which were largely spent as an understudy to Darryl Flahavan "I just didn't feel that Tommy would be first choice for us anymore," explained Tilson. "And Steve is 27 now. At that age he needs to establish himself as first choice and I'm sure he will do that somewhere."

Tilson has offered full-back Simon Francis a new contract despite having a year left on his current deal. He joins goalkeeper Darryl Flahavan and midfielders Mark Gower, Alan McCormack and Nicky Bailey in being handed a fresh terms.

But Tilson denied that he had made contact with Aberdeen concerning striker Richie Foran, who has been linked to the Scottish Premier League side.