I would like to believe Notts allowed Charlie Whitaker to leave due to them not wanting to match potential wage demands, rather than the club believing he isn't good enough. I personally would have given him a two-year deal. He looked very promising for us, and I know he only scored a few times, but he was a creative spark. Him and Will Jarvis, I felt could be the future of Notts.

The rest make a lot of sense to me.

Regarding Sam Austin, I have defended him in the past, but he hasn't been the same player we know he can be this past season. Much like Adam Chicksen, there are moments of brilliance, but the overall consistency is lacking. I wouldn't have started him in our away leg against the Dons, so I think he would have been more of an impact/squad player. The fact he could fill-in in several positions, that is something, but really there are better and more consistent players.

That said, Whitaker leaving seems like a loss, whereas I completely understand the retained list.

I can see the logic behind it. It'll be tough to replace Sam Slocombe - whoever comes in to replace him will know he's going to be second choice behind Bass. In Slocombe we had someone who accepted he would likely be second fiddle, but who could also step in and do a job if called upon. I really don't want to go back to the days of panic-signing a keeper when our first choice gets injured. He may have wanted to leave though.

I'm disappointed about Austin, like Jones he was out for a long time this season and was clearly rusty when he came back. But then the fact that we were relying on him also tells a story. As we found out to our cost last season, we can't be sentimental when we need to improve the squad. I hope they all find new clubs, the promotion squad are all club heroes in my eyes.

Just an observation

Notts announced their retained list. Did Stuart Maynard have input in that decision before he left Notts?

Surely it would have been better to wait until the new Head Coach had been appointed first.

Contracts weren't up in most cases until end of June. The decision could have waited a little longer.