Sunderland’s preparations for the new Championship season got underway earlier this month when they confirmed their retained list.
Despite still awaiting the appointment of a permanent successor to former manager Michael Beale, the Black Cats hierarchy made decisions over the future of several current members of their squad. The headline name departing the Stadium of Light was Corry Evans as his three-year stay on Wearside will officially come to an end when his contract expires next month.
The former Hull City and Blackburn Rovers star released a classy statement when the news was announced as he described captaining the Black Cats as ‘the greatest honour of his career’. Evans was not the only player to depart as midfielder Bradley Dack, winger Jack Diamond and Ellis Taylor were also named on the released list.
In what is always a difficult time of the year for players, every club across the EFL has gone through a similar process and that means there are some eye-catching names available on free transfers this summer.
The former Hull City and Blackburn Rovers star released a classy statement when the news was announced as he described captaining the Black Cats as ‘the greatest honour of his career’. Evans was not the only player to depart as midfielder Bradley Dack, winger Jack Diamond and Ellis Taylor were also named on the released list.
![Released: Charlie Austin, Tomi Adeloye, Frazer Blake-Tracy, Conor Brann, Tom Brewitt, Tom Clayton, Reece Devine, Brooklyn Genesini, Rushian Hepburn-Murphy, George McEachran, Tyrese Shade](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2024/05/20/9/07/GettyImages-1937699879.jpg.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
21. Swindon Town
Released: Charlie Austin, Tomi Adeloye, Frazer Blake-Tracy, Conor Brann, Tom Brewitt, Tom Clayton, Reece Devine, Brooklyn Genesini, Rushian Hepburn-Murphy, George McEachran, Tyrese Shade | Manchester United via Getty Imag
![Released: Jean Belehouan, Mikey Davies, Ben Hockenhull, Rhys Hughes, Charlie Jolley, Ousmane Kane, Luis Lacey, Paul Lewis, Reece McAlear, Dan Pike, Conor Robson, Joe Starbuck and Joe Yarney.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2024/05/20/9/50/GettyImages-1488444661.jpg.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
22. Tranmere Rovers
Released: Jean Belehouan, Mikey Davies, Ben Hockenhull, Rhys Hughes, Charlie Jolley, Ousmane Kane, Luis Lacey, Paul Lewis, Reece McAlear, Dan Pike, Conor Robson, Joe Starbuck and Joe Yarney. | Getty Images
![Released: Owen Evans, Rollin Menayese, Aramide Oteh, Joe Riley](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2024/05/20/9/12/GettyImages-1844104724.jpg.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
23. Walsall
Released: Owen Evans, Rollin Menayese, Aramide Oteh, Joe Riley | Getty Images
![Released: Aaron Hayden, Rob Lainton, Callum McFadzean, Ben Tozer, Jordan Tunnicliffe, Luke Young, Owen Cushion, Dan Davies, Max Hayes, Michael Hayman, Jack Pilkington, Jake Roberts, Dan Wright](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2024/05/20/9/50/GettyImages-2150411861.jpg.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
24. Wrexham
Released: Aaron Hayden, Rob Lainton, Callum McFadzean, Ben Tozer, Jordan Tunnicliffe, Luke Young, Owen Cushion, Dan Davies, Max Hayes, Michael Hayman, Jack Pilkington, Jake Roberts, Dan Wright | Getty Images