Nottinghamshire release two in rebuilding plan

It is the time of year when counties begin to shape their resources for next season. After a disappointing 2003, Nottinghamshire are in the process of rebuilding their squad and have announced the release of two players with substantial first team experience - Guy Welton and Stephen Randall.

Welton, a 25 year-old batsman, has been at Trent Bridge for eight years. He has played in over 70 first-class matches with nearly 600 runs at an average approaching 25 this season. In 2000 he became the youngest Nottinghamshire player to score a double hundred in the championship when he made 200 not out against Warwickshire at Edgbaston.

Randall's opportunities since he made his debut in 1999 have been limited, especially since the arrival of Australian leg spinner Stuart MacGill. This season the 23 year-old off spinner has played in six limited overs matches but no first-class cricket.

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.

"This is just the start of the rebuilding process. 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."

Pace bowlers Gareth Clough and Charlie Shreck have been offered new deals along with off spinner Paul McMahon.