THE need to reshape the Hartlepool United squad saw Matthew Bates put six players up for transfer and release three others.

Pools’ retained list was announced yesterday, with five players who signed last summer being made available. New deals have been offered to three players, with options taken up on two more.

Five players signed on two year deals by former manager Craig Harrison have been transfer listed: Jake Cassidy, Ryan Donaldson, Louis Laing, Jack Munns and Connor Newton, while Scott Harrison is also available.

Laing and Harrison were made available last season for loan in January, but there was little interest.

Cassidy, Munns and Donaldson are understood to be among the club’s highest earners and, with a new and reduced budget to work with, Bates needs to move on high earning, under-performing players.

Contract options have been taken on Lewis Hawkins and Michael Woods, but there is plenty of interest in the latter and he could leave if the right offer comes in.

New deals have been offered to Liam Donnelly, Nicky Featherstone and Devante Rodney.

Blair Adams, Luke George and Rhys Oates have been released.

Bates explained his logic on the club’s website. He said: “However difficult it’s been, we’re all acting in the best interests of the club so those hard conversations needed to be had.

“I have my own ideas about moving forward and the kind of squad I want and there are some contracted players who don’t perhaps quite fit in to the budget and have therefore been made available for transfer or loan.

“I felt it was important to speak to every player in the squad, both the ones who have left and the ones who are remaining with the club. I wanted to make sure they all know what I expect from them both individually and as a team next season.

“It was also useful for me to be able to explain to them a little more about what kind of pre-season it will be and that way they can tailor their individual plans over the summer to make sure they come back ready for what will be very hard work.’’

Bates and director of football Craig Hignett have already been talking to possible signings, with Gateshead left-back Scott Barrow - who scored twice against Pools on Boxing Day - high on his list of possibles. Adams had a disappointing season, improving under Bates’ caretaker tenure, but it wasn’t enough to earn a new deal.

“We’re working hard and speaking to players – we had conversations with three or four on Wednesday alone – and an offer went in to one player so they can look at that and see what they want to do,’’ added Bates.

George struggled with injury throughout the season, making only eight appearances as he was hampered by a string of niggles.

The release of Oates is more surprising. Signed by Ronnie Moore three years ago, he signed off for Pools with the winning goal at Tranmere on the final day of the season, with 110 appearances and 15 goals.

Woods has attracted interest and will be in demand this summer, with Salford keen on his services. Donnelly is likely to move on. The Northern Ireland under-21 skipper hoped to be named in the full squad for two friendlies in South America, but was omitted. A move to the SPL to Hearts is a possible, while Lincoln expressed an interest in the January transfer window.