OUMAR NIASSE has been released by League One Morecambe following the Shrimps’ relegation.
Boss Derek Adams recruited Niasse back in March, citing the need for an experienced striker in his side’s battle against the drop.
The former Everton man went on to play ten times for Morecambe, only managing one goal with his side going on to experience the first relegation of their 103-year history.
Adams’ side already had six players under contract for next season, but every other member of the squad have been released.
Upon confirming the retained list, the former Plymouth Argyle and Bradford manager said: “Firstly, I would like to thank all of the players for their contributions across the campaign and for the effort, commitment and dedication they have given to the club.
“To the departing players, it is very difficult as some of them have been with me here for a significant period of time.
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“Ryan Cooney, Liam Gibson and Cole Stockton were all part of our play-off winning side and depart with nothing but my best wishes for everything they have given both me and the football club.
“My thanks also to the further departures who will always be able to look back, with pride, at the fact they played for Morecambe FC in League One.
“These players have given as much as they possibly could for the club and created some memorable moments for Morecambe along the way.”
Niasse, 33, signed for Everton from Lokomotiv Moscow for £13.5m in 2016.
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Things didn’t go to plan at Goodison, as he made just 42 appearances in four years, scoring nine times.
During this stint he had loan spells at Hull City and Cardiff City.
Following his Everton release he briefly joined Huddersfield, before scoring three times in 12 outings for Burton Albion last season.
After the 3-2 defeat at Exeter City on Sunday which confirmed relegation, Adams revealed that it would be difficult to offer deals to out of contract players due to the uncertainty surrounding Morecambe’s playing budget for next season.
He said: “We’ve got to do a retained list within a certain number of days after the last game of the season.
“With that in mind, we’re still waiting for confirmation of the wage budget for next season: we understand there’s going to be a big reduction from this season and we’re waiting for confirmation on that.
“What we weren’t able to do was offer any out-of-contract players deals for next season because, financially, we need to see where we are.”
In addition to Niasse and star man Stockton, former Crystal Palace full-back Pape Souare was also among those to be released.
The 32-year-old had been a regular in the Premier League for the Eagles, before a devastating car accident in September 2016 saw him have to be airlifted to hospital.
Since his recovery Souare has played for Troyes and Charlton, before joining Morecambe in March – for whom he played seven times.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
