Cheltenham announce retained list following play-off defeat to Cobblers

Cheltenham Town have announced their retained list following Monday's crushing play-off defeat to the Cobblers.

The Robins conspired to throw away a two-goal lead from the first leg as Vadaine Oliver struck early and Callum Morton grabbed a second-half brace to book Northampton's spot at Wembley.

With their place in League Two now known for next season, Cheltenham are able to confirm that Rhys Lovett, Archie Brennan, Rohan Ince, Jonte Smith and Luke Varney will all be released at the end of this month.

Owen Evans, Jake Doyle-Hayes, Jacob Greaves, Max Sheaf and Tom Nichols will also leave the club after their loan spells expired, while Josh Debayo has been offered a new contract and negotiations are ongoing with Chris Clements.

The following players are already under contract for next season: Scott Flinders, Sean Long, Chris Hussey, Ben Tozer, Charlie Raglan, Dan Bowry, Conor Thomas, Reuben Reid, Tahvon Campbell, Ryan Broom, Will Boyle, Alex Addai, George Lloyd and Alfie May

Manager Michael Duff said: "This is the horrible part of the game. Particularly after Monday night you're having to have conversations 12 hours after the disappointment of last night. It's the ruthless and horrible side.

"You make an emotional connection to these people. You've got a vested interest in their careers because everyone who is working with me I want to do well. Sometimes you can't have the same XI year on year on.

"Obviously there's financial constraints as well which sometimes comes into the equation, particularly with the unknown future in terms of crowds and you've got to factor that in as well. It's sometimes a case of not what you want to do, it's what you have to do.

"We wish everbody all the best. One thing they've all been is very good people, which is the most important thing."