Kilmarnock put 14 players on summer exit list

Kilmarnock manager Lee Clark has put 14 players on his summer exit list - but suffered a blow when Craig Slater announced he was leaving Rugby Park.

Mark Connolly has had his contract ripped up a year early. Picture: SNS

Clark has released six players who are at the end of their contracts - Lee Ashcroft, Conor Brennan, Julien Faubert, Alex Henshall, Aaron Splaine and Chris Johnston, who spent most of the season on the sidelines with a knee injury.

Club captain Mark Connolly’s final year of his contract has also been cancelled after an injury-hit season.

And Kilmarnock have announced they are willing to listen to offers for a further seven players - Conrad Balatoni, Kallum Higginbotham, Dale Carrick, Kevin McHattie, Mark O’Hara, Tope Obadeyi and David Syme.

Slater has been offered a new deal but the 22-year-old has set his sights on leaving. The 22-year-old said on Twitter: “Wish to thank Kilmarnock FC players, management, staff and fans for their help and support during my time with the club.

“Was a tough decision to leave but wish the club all the success in the future.”

Slater was previously linked with a move to Aberdeen but Killie will be due compensation from his new club.

Killie have also offered Rory McKenzie a new contract.

Clark had promised a “ruthless” overhaul immediately after his team avoided relegation with a 4-0 Ladbrokes Premiership play-off second-leg win over Falkirk on Sunday.

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