The first stage of the rebuilding process began today, as Graham Rix spoke to all of the out-of-contract players at United. Some were offered new contracts, but six players were told that they are now surplus to requirements at the KasStad. The unlucky sextet were: Richard Walker, who is widely rumoured to have already got himself a deal at Northampton; Courtney Pitt, Rix’s only signing so far, but whom Rix admitted at the Fans’ Forum had not worked out; Manny Omoyinmi, United’s longest-serving player who has struggled to hold a place in the team; Lee Steele, whose time at United has been blighted by injuries, and who has now joined Andy Scott at Leyton Orient on a two-year contract; goalkeeper Andy Woodman, who has been linked with both Dagenham & Redbridge and, surprise, Bristol Rovers; and Matt Bound, who has also been linked with other clubs, and is believed to be off up north somewhere. In addition to these, defender Paul McCarthy has rejected his contract offer and will be off.

This means that Dean Whitehead, ROS Chris Hackett, skipper Andy Crosby, Matt Robinson, Scott McNiven, Dave Waterman, James Hunt, and Jefferson Louis have all been offered new contracts, many of them for two years. In addition, Simon Cox and Danny Brown have had one-year extensions to their contracts enacted, meaning that they will join Steve Basham, Mark Rawle, Paul Wanless, Julian Alsop, Jon Ashton and Jamie Brooks at the club next season.

Third-year scholar Adam Garner has been offered a three-month professional contract, and Michael Alexis has been offered a six-month contract, as they try and gain longer deals. Other third-year scholars Matt Brandish and Josias Carbon have been released. There is no news on whether or not United are trying to get Barry Quinn to stay, following his loan from Coventry.

Meanwhile Brian Horton has been confirmed as Macclesfield’s manager for next season. Another former United manager, the great Jim Smith, is rumoured to be sought after by a consortium at QPR, to replace their current manager Ian Holloway. The same consortium is alleged to want Martin Keown as Smith’s assistant. Rangers’ chairman Nick Blackburn, however, has stated that Holloway will be managing the club next season.

At Kidderminster, Abdou Sall has signed a new contract to remain at Aggborough, while West Bromwich Albion have released Phil Gilchrist and Dean Windass is one of the Bradford City squad that has been put up for sale.