Sheffield United boss Kevin Blackwell has began his rebuilding for next season by releasing senior players Geoff Horsfield and Paul Gerrard.

Striker Horsfield and goalkeeper Gerrard had been on loan at Scunthorpe and Blackpool respectively this season, but will be free to leave when their contracts run out in the summer.

Blackwell has also released youngsters James Ashmore, Martin Donnelly, Stephen Hernandez, Lloyd Kerry and Dean Oliver.

However, Adam Chapman and Kyle Walker have been given professional contracts, while Ryan Cresswell and Liban Abdi have been offered one-year deals.