Just looking at transfer market website, we currently have 28 "adult" players registered. I believe the Championship like the Prem allows us a 25 man squad once the window closes next week.
Of the 28 Murphy the keeper is the only out of contract player still in the squad. One of the 4 keepers one must go so if Murphy is going to the coaching staff or being kept on as no. 3 then, if Etheridge stays with Villa signing Heaton, Smithies should go and get some money back. The under 21 keeper is said to be useful as no. 4 cover.
Excluding the 2 youngsters, Brown and Coxe (not named in the 28) we have 4 full backs plus Paterson in emergencies. Should Cunningham go then we would be light in the left back area with no obvious cover apart from Brown. The contracts for Pelts and Jazz expire next year.
We have 5 centre backs including Connolly. His and Bamba's contracts expire next year but there has been talk of Bamba getting another year if proved fit. Connolly has served us well over the years and is probably our longest serving player however he has to go. Give him a free for his service to the club.
In midfield we have 6 with Damour and Tomlin's contracts running off next year. Damour to go. Tomlin to stay unless we get another creative mf in which case bye bye Tomlin for some cash.
4 wingers all with at least 2 years on their contract. No change.
5 strikers plus the Irish lad Bogler, not in the 28. I have regarded Reid as a striker rather than mf.
Ward and Bogle's contracts run until 2020. Madine is my choice for the exit door but with 2 years on his contract we would probably want money for him having paid £6m less than 2 years ago. As I see it it is a choice between him and Bogle.
So, 1 keeper, Connolly, Damour and one of 2 strikers to go. That leaves us with 24. One space to fill or keep one of the above.
The other thing to consider, which I can never get my head around, is the number of home grown players we should have in match day squads and what qualifies as home grown, just English or Welsh, Scots or Northern Irish as well? Or is there some other criteria? Will try to find info on this.