GRAVESEND & Northfleet have released out-of-contract players Aaron Barnett, Craig Wilkins and leading striker Che Stadhart.

Despite being part of the Ryman League Championship winning side of 2002, the trio have not featured regularly this season in the Conference and Fleet boss Andy Ford believes it would be in everyone's best interests if they left the club.

He said: “One of the worst parts of the job is telling players that they are no longer required, but it is part of the job.

“As I always tell them, it's only my opinion that I think they have gone as far as they can with the club and I think it is in the interest of both parties that we go our separate ways.

“This was the case with Aaron, Che and Craig and I believe that all three will go and do very well at a lower level and enjoy their football.” Wilkins has joined Dover.

One player who will have probably expected the move is striker Stadhart after he was placed on the transfer list earlier in the year.

Although Stadhart finished as top scorer for the club this season, with 14 goals in all competitions - double the amount of any other player - Ford insists the player wasn't happy at Stonebridge Road.

He said: “Che has not enjoyed this season. He's been at the club for a little while now and perhaps he has become stale. It can happen to players as it can happen to managers.

“It's my job to freshen things up and that's what I will be trying to do over the summer.”

Ford, who has offered new contracts to the remaining players in the squad, confirmed midfielder Steve McKimm has put pen to paper on a new one-year deal at Stonebridge Road.