LONG-SERVING midfielder Marcus Kelly has been released by Forest Green.

A popular figure, Kelly,31, was signed by former boss David Hockaday after a trial in the summer of 2013.

Kelly joins midfielder Sam Wedgbury out of The New Lawn exit door as boss Mark Cooper starts minor surgery on his squad ahead of the new season in League Two.

Meanwhile, loan quartet Charlie Cooper, two-goal Wembley hero Kaiyne Woolery, Mark Ellis and Curtis Tilt have returned to their parent clubs.  

Elsewhere, keeper Sam Russell has been offered a new one-year contract, while a decision has also been made to take up an option to extend Keanu Marsh-Brown’s stay at The New Lawn.

Young forward Olly Mehew has been offered a further year’s contract to remain at the club.

A club spokesman said: "Forest Green would like to thank all of the players who have played their part in helping the club secure a historic promotion to League Two and wish them well in their future careers."

Players released: Sam Wedgbury, Marcus Kelly, Louis McGrory, Mohamed Chemlal, Anthony Jeffrey.

Players contracted for next season: Dale Bennett, Omar Bugiel, Christian Doidge, Simon Lefebvre, Manny Monthe, Jon Moran, Shamir Mullings, Rhys Murphy, Liam Noble, Aarran Racine, Fabien Robert, Ethan Pinnock, Rob Sinclair, Drissa Traore, Dan Wishart and Lee Collins.