Relegated Cambridge release Digby and Okedina

Paul Digby began his career with Barnsley before having spells with Ipswich, Mansfield, Forest Green and Stevenage

Cambridge United have released two members of their promotion-winning team of five seasons ago after announcing Paul Digby and Jubril Okedina will be leaving following relegation back to League Two.

Midfielder Digby, 30, and defender Okedina, who is 24, are among 11 players being let go at the end of their contracts.

Digby joined the U's from Stevenage in July 2020 and went on to make 229 appearances.

Okedina signed initially on loan in January 2021 and played 138 times.

Jack Stevens, Louis Chadwick, Danny Andrew, George Thomas, Jordan Cousins, Ben Stevenson, Dan Barton, Brandon Njoku and Amaru Kaunda were not offered new deals, while former Aston Villa and Birmingham City midfielder Gary Gardner has moved on by mutual consent.

'Relegation has brought tough but necessary decisions'

Cambridge struggled against relegation for most of this season with Neil Harris returning to the club in February after the departure of Garry Monk.

But Harris was unable to improve results sufficiently as the U's finished second from bottom of League One, nine points adrift of safety.

"Relegation brings tough but necessary decisions, and this summer signals the beginning of an important rebuild for us," said director of football Mark Bonner.

"With Neil Harris now leading us into the new season, there's a clear sense of purpose and direction as we reshape the squad to compete strongly and grow again."

Bonner thanked Digby for his "exceptional commitment and leadership" adding he had been "a true servant to Cambridge United".

"Jubril Okedina also gets a special mention for his role over the past four years – another member of our promotion winning team in 2021," Bonner added.