Stoke release Ciaran Clark, offer Enda Stevens contract extension
Stoke City have released Ciaran Clark but hope to persuade his Ireland international colleague Enda Stevens to stick around for next season.
The conclusion of the regulation English Football League campaign last weekend prompted clubs to confirm their retained lists and who they are releasing.
Defenders Clark (34) and Stevens (33) were part of another struggling Championship campaign for the Potters, which ended in survival following three wins on the run-in.
Manager Steven Schumacher was drafted in last December from Plymouth Argyle and is finalising his plans for his first full season in conjunction with Jonathan Walters, the Irish international appointed four weeks ago as technical director of his former club.
Talks are ongoing with full-back Stevens about a new deal, and goalkeeper Frank Fielding has signed a new one-year contract.
"Those departing do so knowing we are hugely grateful for their efforts during their time with the club," said Walters, acknowledging the contribution of Clark during the season he spent after joining from Newcastle United.
Preston North End captain Alan Browne is expected to end his decade-long association with the club after the parties were unable to broker a contract extension.
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