Nottinghamshire release Welton and Randall

Nottinghamshire have released batsman Guy Welton and offspinner Stephen Randall as the rebuilding process gets under way at Trent Bridge. Welton, 25, leaves after eight years on the staff while 23-year-old Randall has been with the county for the past five seasons.

Mick Newell, Nottinghamshire's director of cricket, said: "It's a shame things have not worked out for them. They are two local lads who are totally committed to Notts cricket but it's just that we don't think they are the way forward for this club. They both want to continue in the game and I wish them all the very best for the future."

Welton has played more than 70 first-class matches for Nottinghamshire, scoring 571 runs at an average of 24.83 this season. Randall has had limited opportunities for first-team cricket with Australian legspinner Stuart MacGill in the squad, and has been restricted to limited-overs appearances only this summer, claiming four wickets in six appearances.

"This is just the start of the rebuilding process," explained Newell. "Clearly something has to be done because I totally accept that performances this season have not been up to the required standard. We have to make room to bring in players who are capable of doing very much better than we have this season."

Seamers Gareth Clough and Charlie Shreck have been offered new deals along with offspinner Paul McMahon.