SOUTHEND United have begun reshaping their squad for next season by releasing Bilel Mohsni, Mickey Spillane, John Spicer, Alex Woodyard and Elliot Benyon.

Echosport revealed last month how Mohsni had parted company with the club during an eventful and often turbulent three year spell at Roots Hall which saw him make 80 appearances, score 18 goals and be shown five red cards.

But his departure has now finally been confirmed by the club along with striker Benyon, who ended last season on loan at Torquay United.

He leaves after scoring twice in 28 games while midfielders Spillane and Spicer also failed to impress last season.

Spicer joined the club last August but made just 15 appearances and Spillane, who joined from Dagenham in January, played just nine times.

The most surprising departure is therefore Woodyard who came through the youth system at the club and played 15 times for the first team.