United's three out-of-contract players will not be returning to Cambridge United.

At the end of last season, Andy Duncan, Adam Tann and Matt Somner were the three players on United's retained list whose contracts were due to expire yesterday (30th June).

Offers of new contracts were made to all three but their agent Richard Cody has confirmed to the club in writing that they will not be accepting the contracts and therefore will not return for pre-season training on Monday.

"We have been advised by their agent that they 'do not wish to re-engage with Cambridge United'," confirmed secretary Andrew Pincher.

This leaves caretaker boss Rob Newman with just four contracted senior players when the players return on Monday to prepare for the season at the club's new training base in Huntingdon [article].

Midfielder Ashley Nicholls is the oldest of the four at 23, with 20-year-old Dan Gleeson starting his second season as a pro, and John Turner (left) and Darren Quinton (both 19) as the only other professionals on the books.

The club is unable to sign players or offer contracts whilst in administration, although teenagers Paul Atkins (striker), Lee Blackburn, Dave Daniels (midfielders) and Nick Robbins (defender) are expected to sign on as first year pros if the club exits administration following the creditors' meeting on Monday 18th July.

Rob Newman has invited seven trialists to join the squad for training from next week.

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