Letting Robbie Simpson leave Boundary Park was one of the hardest decisions of his fledgling managerial career, according to Oldham Athletic boss Lee Johnson.
The 28-year-old forward signed on loan from Huddersfield Town in August 2011, signed permanently in January 2012 and scored 13 goals in 80 appearances – including one in goal.
His Latics career included memorable FA Cup goals against Nottingham Forest and Liverpool at Anfield and in Johnson’s brief spell as manager made a favourable impression.
“Robbie has been fantastic during the short time I have been here,” said the 31-year-old.
“I like him as a person and he gave everything whether in a match or on the training pitch.
“It is a measure of how highly I regard Robbie that I made him captain when James Wesolowski was ruled out.
“And as I have mentioned before, if you were in the trenches, Robbie is the sort of character you would like alongside you.”
Midfielder Connor Hughes, striker Daniel Taylor plus goalkeepers Liam Jacob and Dean Bouzanis – with 42 appearances this season – will also leave the club.
After being released the players were thanked by Johnson for all their hard work.
“Each individual case had different circumstances and to the players leaving I will give them glowing references,” he added.
“I would like to thank them for their efforts, willingness and work rate since I have been here.
“The football club is ever evolving and I would like to wish them all the best in their careers.”
Athletic have taken out one year options to extend the contracts of Glenn Belezika, Connor Brown and Cliff Byrne while are in discussions with Alex Cisak, Lee Croft, Jean-Yves M’voto and Matt Smith.
Youth products David Mellor, Kirk Millar, James Tarkowski and Carl Winchester were also offered new contracts.
Image courtesy of fanpicTV, via YouTube, with thanks
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