James McFadden among 14 Motherwell players to be offered new deals

Motherwell have confirmed the departures of six players but have offered new contracts to 14 others, including James McFadden.

Strikers David Clarkson and Wes Fletcher and midfielder Jack Leitch have been released after struggling for game time this season while under-20s goalkeeper Brett Long has also been freed. Loan players Connor Ripley and Morgaro Gomis return to Middlesbrough and Hearts respectively.

The club have made offers to experienced players Scott McDonald, Steven Hammell, Keith Lasley, Stephen McManus, McFadden and Craig Samson - in at least some cases on reduced wages - while 21-year-old forward Craig Moore has been offered a deal after hitting 14 goals in 30 games while on loan with Ayr, and first-team defender Ben Hall is still considering a contract proposal.

David Ferguson and Dylan Mackin have been offered terms to stay following their loan spell at Airdrie while under-20s players Robbie Leitch, Jack McMillan, Ross MacLean and Ryan Watters have also been made offers.

Manager Mark McGhee told the club's official website: "We're talking to the lads and their representatives at the moment. I've gone on record saying I would like to retain the nucleolus of the squad then add some fresh faces in the key positions where we feel we are a little light.

"We obviously need to know what the lads who are already at the club intend on doing so we can plan accordingly and we hope that will become clearer in the next week or so.

"To the lads who are leaving, some of whom have been at Fir Park for quite some time, I want to sincerely thank them all for their contributions and wish them every success in the future careers."