Town have announced the release of keepers Michael Crowe and Nick Hayes, midfielder James Blanchfield and striker or midfielder Monty Patterson.

Crowe, 22, joined the Blues academy as a full-time scholar from Norwegian side IK Start in 2012 and has been on the bench for the first team on 47 occasions but without ever making his senior debut.

Capped by Wales at U19 and U21 levels, Crowe was recently called into the senior squad for the first time by new manager Ryan Giggs without making his full international bow, but was left out of the squad announced yesterday.

Clacton-based Hayes, 19, who won three England caps at U17 level, has featured for the Blues U23s this season but has not been involved with the senior squad, while Town recently took up the option on fellow young keeper Harry Wright’s contract.

Southend-born Blanchfield, 20, who joined the academy from Arsenal in 2014, has had an injury-hit season and has also been unable to break into the Blues first team. A brief spell on loan at Aldershot after Christmas was curtailed by a knock, the midfielder having made only one sub appearance for the Shots.

New Zealand international Patterson joined Wellington Phoenix in his home country on loan in January with his summer release expected to follow.

The 21-year-old made one senior sub appearance for Town, in the Carabao Cup tie at Crystal Palace in August.

Photo: TWTD

Wooly added 12:11 - May 18 I agree that the new manager has already been decided and accepted and will have had a hand in the decisions (hence fitness coach Andy Liddell going in the summer at the end of his contract) the new manager will want to bring his own staff and players in so we are making space now. I just hope the appointment is confirmed and we purchase our bigger targets early in the summer, although given that we will need to pay their wages that doesn't make good business sense.

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Pilgrimblue added 12:13 - May 18 Can't say I'm surprised with any of them. Patterson flattered a bit and isn't as good as those who have stepped up. No reason why Harry shouldn't fill the void as surely Crowe needs first team experience and not 3rd choice. if Bart goes then so be it but with the funds we should find a good keeper or loan a bench warmer from Prem.
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blueboy1981 added 16:27 - May 23 This has to mean Bart has/will sign his contract - otherwise crazy decision. Crowe has much more potential than Gerks' ever will.
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