McCutcheon and McCaul depart Showgrounds

Striker Gary McCutcheon and midfielder Brian McCaul have both been released from the remaining month of their contracts as Ferguson begins to plan for next season.

Veteran frontman McCutcheon returned for a second spell at the Showgrounds in January but had already intimated that he would be retiring at the end of the season to concentrate on a new career path.

“I spoke with Gary during the week,” said Ferguson.

“He has got a new job and work commitments are dictating what is happening with him.

“He is away from his family a lot of the time during the week and with us not reaching the Irish Cup final, he thought it would be best for him to quit now and concentrate on his work rather than travel back and forward.

“I have to appreciate that - he’s a family man and he wants to do that so there was absolutely no issue with that.”

Midfielder McCaul arrived after the season had started but before the end of the August transfer window and his time at the Showgrounds was hampered by injuries which prevented him showing the type of form he did at his previous clubs.

“Brian wants to go to America for the summer,” said Ferguson

“He wants to do that as soon as he can and he asked for his release.

“With the stage of the season that we’re at, it gives us the chance to look at other players, such as young Matthew Shevlin on Saturday.

“The two departures have certainly opened the door for other players,” the United boss added.