Barnet release Charlie MacDonald and Sam Cowler

MacDonald has had spells with Brentford, MK Dons and Oldham

Conference champions Barnet have released captain Charlie MacDonald and goalkeeper Sam Cowler.

Experienced striker MacDonald, 34, scored eight goals in 30 league appearances to help Barnet win the title, but Cowler, 22, did not feature.

MacDonald had a knee operation this week and has been invited back for pre-season training by boss Martin Allen.

"If he doesn't find something and I don't get what we want, then the door will still be open," Allen said.

Allen, who signed a new rolling contract earlier this month, is set to have further negotiations with striker Jon Nurse next week.

"Negotiations are ongoing with our other players, but I must reiterate that I need to strengthen the team and work out how much we can fit into our budget," the 49-year-old added.

The release of MacDonald and Cowler follows on from the departures of winger Lee Cook and centre-back Jack Saville last week.