TWO key Redditch United players are leaving the Southern League Premier Division Central club.
Ryan Wollacott and captain Reece Flanagan, both 29, have both declined improved contract offers with their destinations yet to be confirmed.
Interim manager Keron Jackson has also left the club with the Reds planning to appoint a new boss soon to replace Matt Clarke.
Centre-half Wollacott, who has also played for Stourport Swifts, Aberystwyth and Alvechurch, joined Redditch in 2021.
He cemented himself as an ever-present in the defensive line, racking up 146 appearances, and helped the Reds to a play-off spot last season in their highest league finish since 2015-16.
Flanagan, who signed in 2022-23, was given the armband last season and the midfielder scored 18 goals in the league, finishing as top goalscorer as well as joint fourth in the division.
He made 92 appearances for the club and previously played for Walsall, Leamington and Hednesford Town.
Reds chairman David Faulkner said: “This is a sad day for our club as both players are great lads from fantastic families.
"We would have loved to have kept them for the following season and we tried everything to retain their services offering deals to them that are probably the best ever offered to players in the club's history.
"Unfortunately for us they would like to seek a new challenge and the duo will depart with our very best wishes.”
On Jackson leaving, a club statement said: "He joined Redditch alongside Matt Clarke in 2020 as his assistant and recently stepped into the interim managerial position during Matt’s absence.
"Despite tough circumstances and a challenging start, Keron remained positive throughout and eventually saw us secure a play-off spot.
"We acquired our highest league finish (fourth) since the 2015-16 season whilst under his management and we’d like to express our immense gratitude for all of his efforts and hard work in the four years he has been with us."
The club remain in negotiations with the rest of their players.
On the manager search, the Reds said in a statement: "So far we have spoken to a number of candidates and it has been pleasing to see the excitement from these for the position."
It added that since the announced departure of Wollacott and Flanagan no more players had indicated their wish to move on.
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