[themaclad]

Midfielder Matt Butcher has left Accrington Stanley after rejecting the offer of an extended contract, boss John Coleman has confirmed.

The 24-year-old joined Stanley from Bournemouth in August 2020 and scored six goals in 84 appearances in total in his time at the Wham Stadium.

Butcher was a regular for Coleman's side this season, with four goals in 35 games across all competitions.

"Matt has been a good servant," Coleman told the club website.

"We did offer him a new contract but have been unable to offer him an improved contract, so he is now a free agent."

Stanley have released Stephen Sama, Lewis Mansell, Ben Pleavin, Luke Stowe and Kevin Spinelli, while there is no concrete news on new arrivals.

"I have spoken to one or two players but do not expect any signings until next month," Coleman added.

[themaclad]

Defender Ross Sykes has left Accrington Stanley to join Belgian First-Division team Royale Union Saint-Gilloise for an undisclosed fee.

Sykes, 23, signed his first contract with the League One club in 2016 and made his debut aged 17.

The centre-back has since made 130 appearances for the club, including 39 in the league last season.

The move puts Sykes in contention for European football, with Union SG in the Champions League qualifiers this year.

"I have been here 10 years so I am still getting my head around everything. It's a lot to take in - moving to another country - but I am looking forward to it," Sykes said.

"I knew little bits about Belgian football as I follow football around the globe. I know most of the clubs over there, it's a good challenge.

"It's an opportunity you can't turn down, you might never get the opportunity to play abroad again so when it comes around, you have got to take it."