The others not being offered new contracts are senior men Lee Bullen and Ronnie Wallwork, and youngsters Dave McClements, James Kay and Jason Bradley.

Sean McAllister is being offered a new deal as are young pros Liam McMenamin and Luke Boden.

Academy scholars Sam Liversidge and Aaron Jameson have been invited to join the professional ranks.

Manager Brian Laws has been given the go-ahead to bring in two or three new players this summer. His priority is likely to be centre midfield.

O'Brien, signed on a free from Livingston three years ago, made 28 starts and seven appearances as a sub last season, and Burch was on the bench as No 2 keeper.

Laws admitted: "I'd have loved to have kept Rob Burch; he's been an influence in keeping Lee Grant on his toes, and we wanted two good keepers pushing each other. But Rob has progressed so well that he wants first-team football as well, and we have Richard O'Donnell coming through.

"We've also had to make decisions of people like Burton O'Brien and Rob to release some money to strengthen in other ways.

"The board have made money available for wages for two or three players; I also have to help by allowing one or two players out.

"Money is still very tight. We all know we have to work within the current parameters until things change.

"In the meantime, we have to work with what we have.

"With the players who will be coming back from injuries, it will be like having several new signings."