The New Saints manager Andy Cale has begun his summer clear-out by transfer listing striker Alfie Carter and releasing four other players.

The five are the first casualties of the team's failure to retain their Welsh Premier crown.

Former Rochdale and England Under-18 striker Kevin Townson heads the list of released players, alongside Martyn Naylor, Luke Holden and Carl Lamb.

Former Walsall man Carter joined the Saints from AFC Telford in August 2005.

Naylor has spent six years at the club, but only made seven starts this season, while Holden is a former Liverpool and Tranmere trainee.

Townson only joined the club in January, but neither he nor fellow-striker Lamb failed to command regular first-team places.

The New Saints finished second in the Welsh Premier, finishing second behind Llanelli, who won the title for the first time in their history.