The Newcastle Jets have parted company with promising young defender Connor Chapman.
Chapman had a year to run on his contract in Newcastle after signing an extension at the A-League club in December but the Jets announced on Friday they had release the 19-year-old centre back, effective immediately.
Jets chief executive Robbie Middleby said the Jets were unable to accommodate Chapman's desire for first-team football, with the youngster linked with a move to Melbourne Heart.
He had been a favourite of previous coach Gary van Egmond but has not been sighted in the top team since round six.
"Connor is a young player who is seeking regular first team-football," Middleby said.
"As a club, we were unable to guarantee him that opportunity at the Jets next season, so we have made the mutual decision for him to be released from his contract to pursue opportunities elsewhere."
New head coach Phil Stubbins, who was appointed this week, will also be deciding the fates of the likes of marquee star Emile Heskey, David Carney, Joel Griffiths, Josh Mitchell, Joey Gibbs, Nick Ward and James Brown, who are all off contract.
The club said it would make further announcements regarding player recruitment and retention in due course.
