PHIL PARKINSON made sure he told players face-to-face why they didn't have a future at The Racecourse before announcing his retained list.

Wrexham finished runners-up to National League champions Stockport County and were beaten 5-4 in an epic play-off semi-final by Grimsby Town, meaning the Reds are preparing for a 15th season in the fifth tier.

After missing out on a return to the Football League, eight members of the first team squad - Lee Camp, Cameron Green, Dan Jarvis, David Jones, Jordan Ponticelli, Devonte Redmond, Dawid Szczepaniak and Kwame Thomas - have been released.

But Parkinson wanted to meet with all the players individually to tell them the reasons why they weren't being offered a new contract.

"They are all good lads," said Parkinson, who has offered new deals to centre-back Harry Lennon and striker Jake Bickerstaff while Jones, despite not being retained as a player, will be given the opportunity to continue in his role as first team coach.

"I drove round to meet them all individually last week to have a chat with them and wish them all the best.

"I just wanted to tell them the reasons why it was best for both parties to move on.

"All of them have conducted themselves really well this season but they all now need to make their own mark and go and be players in their own right, rather than squad players with us.

"Every player this season has given everything and played their part.

"Some have had bigger contributions than others but they have all played their part and we wish them all the best."