Player cull begins at Derry City as manager Kenny Shiels looks to the 2017 season

The cull has officially begun at Derry City with Patrick McClean, Christian Castells and Max Karner all released by manager Kenny Shiels.

McClean, who is now on trial with League One club Walsall, was informed of the manager’s decision two weeks before the end of the season, and has been looking for a new club ever since.

The 19-year-old, who made only seven starts with the Candy Stripes in 2016, has been linked in the past with moves to Bristol Rovers and Norwich City, and he is now spending a few days with the Saddlers hoping to impress manager John Whitney.

There is no room in Shiels’ plans for either Castells or Karner, both of whom were signed as emergency cover during the season because of the ongoing injury problems to Ryan McBride and Aaron Barry.

There is room, however, for both Niclas Vemmelund and Lukas Schubert, both of whom have returned to Denmark and Austria respectively to mull over new contract offers from Derry City.

Shiels (pictured) admitted letting players go is the hardest part of his job.

“I’m still having meetings and trying to figure out the retain/ release situation,” he explained.

“There are a few who haven’t committed yet so I’m just waiting on them. It’s a hard part of the job because you’re looking at who’s staying and preparing programmes for the off-season.

“Max has gone, as has Christian. Christian filled a hole for us and he’s done great but we just felt that we needed a different type of player, which is important going forward.”

Shiels will address the contracts of those currently at the club before looking elsewhere, and he admitted he would rather develop the younger players before splashing the cash on a big-name signing,.

“Hopefully, we’re an attraction so some people but I’m not going mad looking for players,” he said.

“If we want to improve on third I’d rather have gradual improvement where we keep improving as opposed to finishing second next year by spending money.

“I’d rather do it so Rory Holden gets better, Conor McDermott gets better and Ben Doherty gets better. I’d rather do it that way and I think that’s the way clubs have to go.

“I’d rather have someone develop than bring in someone that’s been around the block although we will need some experience in.”

Meanwhile, the Sligo Showgrounds has emerged as a possible home venue for City's "home" games in next season's Europa League due to refurbishment work at Brandywell.