SEVEN Braintree Town players have left the club with five being axed by new manager Robbie Garvey and two more deciding to leave of their own accord.

OUT go strikers Danny Hockton and Gareth Williams, forward Wayne O'Sullivan and midfielders Chris Piper and Micky Shinn, all dumped by Garvey.

OUT too go forward Louis Riddle and full-back Billy Burgess who have both decided their future lies away from the Cressing Road club.

Also on his way out but going upwards is goalkeeper Craig Holloway who is attracting clubs in both the Blue Square Premier and Football League and Garvey has said he won't stand in his way to return to playing full-time.

"I think Craig is an excellent goalkeeper and undoubtedly capable of playing again at a higher level and I expect him to leave and find a suitable club," said Garvey. "I know there have been approaches to him and good luck to him if he gets a chance to move up."

It's understood that both Aldershot Town and Hereford United are among those who have made enquiries about the Iron goalkeeper, while neighbours Chelmsford City, who released their own 'keeper Danny Gay last week, have also been in for him.

Iron fans won't be surprised by the five first teamers axed by Garvey because they were on good money last season but despite their experience failed to deliver performances on the pitch.

"I've released them because they don't fit into my plans and I wish them well," said Garvey, who said he has now spoken to all the first team players with some being offered reduced terms for next season as part of the 20 per cent cut in the club's playing budget.

"Riddle decided he wanted a change and to move on while Burgess, who travelled up to the ground with Hockton and Williams, who all live south of the River Thames, decided he didn't want to travel on his own," Garvey added.

Riddle is believed to be joining Bishop's Stortford and Welling United are interested in Burgess, from where he joined Town in 2004, and both players have each played over 200 games for the Iron.

Garvey added: "I have shaken hands on an agreement with all the other players being retained and I hope they stay but today you're never sure.

"Obviously I'm talking to many, many players just like all managers are at this time of the year but I'm confident of getting the ones I want in," he declared. "I've said I want an overall younger squad – last season there was only one first team player under 24 – and those that are hungry for success."

Club captain and former caretaker player/ manager Brad Quinton is definitely staying and Garvey adds: "In the last few games when I took over I saw enough from him to know that he is certainly an asset to a club which he is fully committed to and I see him as part of the team next season."

Garvey hopes to be able to name some of his new players within the next week or so but adds: "I would like to get everybody tied up now but unfortunately things never work out that way and you have to be patient.

"But I know we will have a better, stronger team next season that will want to play for the club and do well."

The Iron are also reverting to their traditional old strip next season – all yellow – with a second kit of royal blue plus a third kit of all white.