LEE Barnard, Conor Clifford and Mads Ibenfeldt have all been released by Southend United.

The trio of players did not figure for the Shrimpers during the second half of last season.

And Blues boss Phil Brown now feels their futures lie away from Roots Hall.

“It’s never nice releasing players but I think these three need to move on now,” said Brown.

“All three of have found themselves in different situations this season but where Mads and Barney have been concerned they have struggled with injuries.

“Mads really looked the part in pre-season and played in a couple of cup games we had earlier on in the year but he then had horrific luck with injury and by the time he was fit again he found a number of defenders in front of him which was unfortunate.

“Barney also struggled to stay fit after his loan spell at Stevenage but we thank them for their efforts and wish them all the very best for the future.”

Danish centre-back Ibenfeldt made just three appearances for Blues last season after joining at the start of the campaign following a short period on trial.

Barnard featured slightly more regularly during his second spell with the Shrimpers, scoring once in 11 appearances but the last of those came in October and the striker’s release therefore comes as no surprise.

However, Clifford was among Blues’ most impressive performers at the start of season before falling out of favour and ending the campaign on loan at Barnet who he helped to win the Conference.

Clifford scored twice in 13 appearances and played a total of 41 times during his two year spell at Roots Hall.

But the former Chelsea trainee will now be moving on.

“Conor certainly played his part in our success this season and was fantastic in the first couple of months,” said Brown.

“Around Christmas time though we just felt as though we had left some players behind with the progress we had made.

“Conor therefore went on loan to Barnet where he ended the season with a bang with them as they won the Conference.

“I’m not sure what the situation is with him and Barnet now but he’s another lad who certainly leaves with all our best wishes.”