Falkirk Axe Nine

Falkirk have axed nine senior players as they plan for season 2006/07.

Defender Andy Lawrie, goalkeeper Allan Ferguson, striker Daniel McBreen and midfielder Craig McPherson are among the first-team regulars not to be offered new contracts.

Falkirk manager John Hughes explained the need to offload players to make way for new signings.

He said: "It's never easy to tell players that their futures lie away from Falkirk FC, especially when so many of them have given such great service to the club.

"However, these sort of decisions have to be taken in order for the club to move forward and allow an influx of new talent."

Goalkeeper Darren Hill, midfielders Neil Scally and Paul MacAloney, plus strikers Ian McSween and Stephen Manson have also been shown the exit door.