GREENOCK MORTON have confirmed the release of four players while five others have been offered new deals for next season. 

Jim Duffy is preparing his side for another campaign in the Championship after they suffered defeat to Dundee United in the Premiership play-off quarter-finals last week.

On Monday Kudus Oyenuga, Jon Scullion, Conor Pepper and Jamie McDonagh left the Cappielow outfit at the end of their contracts. 

However, the club revealed in a statement that extensions have been offered to Ricki Lamie, Michael Doyle, Michael Tidser, Mark Russell and Andy Murdoch. 

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Loan quintet Aidan Nesbitt, Jamie Lindsay, Lawrence Shankland, Luke Donnelly and Bryn Halliwell have returned to their parent clubs. 

Manager Duffy, who was nominated for the PFA manager of the year award for his efforts this season, said: “I’d really like to thank the boys. It was a very difficult decision to release them because they’d all contributed so much over the last couple of years.

“They’re all really good boys and the amount of effort and work they put in was testament to the type of the boys they are, and that always makes it more difficult.

“Conor has had a serious injury problem over the last couple of years. He’s had his operation and we wish him well, and we’re happy to help him with his rehabilitation.

“But the most important thing is that he gets himself fit and gives himself a chance to maybe try and play professional football again.

“Bryn was short-term and we thank him again for coming in and helping us out in a difficult period. Young Jon has terrific ability, but it’s maybe just down to the style I play.

“He maybe just needs to go to a manager who allows him to flourish, and maybe that wasn’t something that happened under myself.

“Kudus and Jamie came in this year, two outstanding boys who put such a lot of work into the team and played in many different roles, and you need that as a manager.

“But ultimately I just felt that it was better for them to move on and further their careers elsewhere, so wish alll those boys well and thank them for their total commitment to the club.

“We’ve offered new deals to Michael Tidser, Mark Russell, Ricki Lamie, Michael Doyle and Andy Murdoch. These boys will be discussing it with their respresentatives and get back to me in due course.”