Notts County have confirmed that Jim O’Brien, Richard Brindley, John Bostock, Aden Baldwin and Tobi Adebayo will be leaving the club at the end of this season.
The board of directors have released a statement that says “We’d like to place on record our immense gratitude to Jim O’Brien, Richard Brindley, Connell Rawlinson, John Bostock, Aden Baldwin and Tobi Adebayo for their tremendous efforts in their time at the club.
“Jim is the only member of the squad who pre-dates our arrival, having joined the battle against relegation in January 2019.
“He went on to be an integral part of our efforts to restore our EFL status and, having helped us achieve that in 2022-23, has this season recorded his highest number of appearances for the club (43).
“That fact is made all the more impressive when you consider his playing duties took a back seat in the wake of Luke Williams’ departure, when he accepted the huge challenge of managing team affairs.
“Jim applied himself to that role with the same level of dedication that we have seen from him on the pitch week in, week out - and proved why he will go on to have an outstanding coaching career.
“Despite his strong performances this season, we feel now is the right time to part ways – but he moves on having firmly established himself as an iconic figure in the history of the world’s oldest professional club.
“Connell and Richard were two of our earliest signings, joining shortly after our takeover as we were assembling the squad which went on to reach the play-off final in the club’s first season in the National League.
“They were mainstays of our team as we continued to push for promotion in the years that followed – and fittingly were both on the pitch as our winning penalty ensured their efforts were rewarded in last season’s Wembley final.
“Their fellow defender, Aden Baldwin, can also take immense pride in what he’s achieved in his time at Meadow Lane.
“As well as being an outstanding performer in our promotion season, we would never have reached Wembley without his two heroic goals in the semi-final against Boreham Wood.
“John and Tobi are two other players who have established themselves as huge characters at the club.
“As well as being a thoroughly professional and calming presence away from the field, John made many excellent performances for us – not least at Wembley, where his incredibly composed display and all-important equaliser were crucial to us winning the promotion he and his team-mates so richly deserved.
“Tobi also played his part in last season’s success and his infectious personality, combined with the extreme qualities he possesses, will make him a very attractive prospect for many clubs this summer.
“We know our supporters will always hold the aforementioned players in extremely high regard for playing such huge roles in the club’s progress to this point.
“Following conversations with both players, we will be making Aidan Stone and Will Randall, along with Connell, available for transfer, while also allowing Luther Munakandafa to move on in order to hopefully reach his full potential. We thank them all for their service and will work with them to find the right next step for their careers.
“Looking ahead to 2024-25, we’re excited about what Cedwyn and Geraldo, who has been offered new terms, can bring to the squad after a full pre-season following their long-term injuries.
“Speculation about several of our high-performing, contracted players is inevitable. Nevertheless, our position is the same as ever – we do not need, nor intend, to sell any of them and would only consider offers that represented exceptional value for the club.
“As they depart for their summer break, we’d like to reiterate our gratitude to the squad for their efforts in 2023-24.
“For Stuart Maynard and his staff, the hard work doesn’t stop as we continue our collective effort to build a squad capable of challenging for promotion next season.
“Excellent progress has already been made and we look forward to updating supporters on new signings, as well as the club’s many exciting off-field projects, in the weeks and months ahead.”