Hartlepool United: Billy Paynter among departures as trio are offered new deals

Billy Paynter worked with Matthew Bates as part of the interim coaching staff for the final games of the season.

Hartlepool United have released nine players including captain Billy Paynter and offered new deals to Carl Magnay, Rhys Oates and Brad Walker.

Defender Magnay, 28, midfielder Walker, 22, and forward Oates, 22, must decide to remain at Victoria Park following relegation to the National League.

Pools have taken up the option of retaining striker Devante Rodney for a further year.

Paynter, 32, scored 19 goals in 61 games in two seasons at Pools.

He was also part of Pools' coaching team last season after the departure of former manager Dave Jones.

Jordan Richards, Rob Jones, Jake Orrell, Ben Dudzinski, James Martin, Ben Pollock and Connor Smith complete the list of released players.

Kieran Green has already joined Gateshead.