Tight finances force Exeter City to trim playing squad

Exeter City manager Paul Tisdale says finances have dictated his decision to release four players from his squad.

Reserve goalkeeper Rhys Evans, defender Kevin Amankwaah, midfielder Marks Molesley and striker Guillem Bauza have all been released.

Tisdale says he may also be unable to afford to re-sign top scorer Jamie Cureton, fellow striker John O'Flynn and experienced midfielder Matt Oakley.

"I can't afford to keep them here," Tisdale told BBC South West Sport.

Tisdale says the lack of players sales of cup windfalls means he is down to a basic wage structure for the coming season.

Last season Exeter earned £275,000 from the sales of Troy Archibald-Henville and James Dunne, a figure which could rise depending on appearances and sell-on clauses.

"There's no money being held back, but the reality is it's a greatly reduced budget off the back of what's available.

"This is the first year since I've been at the club that we've not had some kind of windfall. It's the first time in seven years we've not had a sale.

"We've not had a cup draw like Liverpool last year, and we've missed out on the play-offs that would have brought in a boost at the end of the season."

Tisdale, who is also in talks with midfielder Tommy Docherty, is hopeful that Cureton, O'Flynn and Oakley will stay.

Cureton while Oakley has recovered from a serious shoulder injury.

But he admits that if a better offer comes along, they should probably take it.

"They understand the club we have and realise that we're not flushed with money, so even if there is an offer it's going to be of a certain type," said Tisdale.

"I believe they're keen on staying, but if someone comes in and offers them double the money, as we had last season with Daniel Nardiello and others, they have to go really."