Darren Stride leaves Burton after 16 years with the club

Burton Albion have released club captain Darren Stride, ending his 17-year association with the team.

The 34-year-old made a club record 654 appearances for the Brewers after coming through their youth ranks.

Midfielders Michael Simpson and Marc Goodfellow, defender Shaun Kelly and striker Romuald Boco have also been released by the League Two club.

But Paul Boertien, Andy Corbett and 46-year-old goalkeeper Kevin Poole have all agreed one-year extensions.

Stride's last game for Burton was on 28 December against Notts County, and injury has limited him to just nine appearances at centre-back all season.

"He's a very important member of the squad," Brewers manager Paul Peschisolido told BBC Radio Derby.

606: DEBATE Just like to say well done and thank you to the man, 16 years with us come to an end today he's done the club and the fans proud in that time Dave (U12659627)

"He's got a great voice in the changing room, he's well respected, he's obviously been at the club such a long, long time - his whole career - and he's a true professional as well.

"But he's at an age now where he's getting on a bit and he's not played a lot of first-team football over the last couple of years. That was the reason for the decision."

Stride, who has played in every position for Burton during his career, led the team to promotion to the Football League for the first time last season.

"I think he's got a lot to offer, if he can keep himself fit," said Peschisolido.

"Had he had been fit he would have played a bigger part this season, that's for certain."

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